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SKETCHES OF
SOUTH AFRICAN BIRD-LIFE
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SKETCHES OF
SOUTH AFRICAN
BIRD-LIFE
BY
ALWIN HAAGNER, F.Z.S.
COLONIAL MEMBER, BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION
HON. MEM. ROYAL HUNGARIAN BUREAU OF ORNITHOLOGY
HON, SEC., SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION
AND
ROBERT H. IVY, F.Z.S.
MEMBER, SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION
ILLUSTRATED BY THE CAMERA
T. MASKEW MILLER
CAPE TOWN
1914
[Copyright]
ORNIT He
El -
092
S6
it l/
[9/4
‘D BY
WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED
LONDON AND BECCLES,
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Ir is now more than five years since the first edition of
this work appeared. It has not sold as readily as we
could have wished, and the reason given for this by South
African Booksellers is the costliness of the first edition.
We have tried to reduce this as much as possible by
omitting separate plates, and printing the whole work on
a good smooth paper.
It has been found necessary to add to the meagre
descriptions of some of the birds and to add many species
omitted in the previous edition. We have done this owing
to the fact that the work has been kindly approved by the
Transvaal Education Department and added to their list
of authorised books.
We have to thank Mr. M. J. Nicoll for the loan of
several blocks from his “Three Voyages of a Naturalist,”
illustrating the chapter on Seabirds, and to Mr. R. Chambers
for the photograph of the Breeding Colony of the Cliff
Swallow.
A. K. HAAGNER.
R. H. IVY.
TRANSVAAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS,
PRETORIA,
January, 1914.
vii
INTRODUCTION
Every one knows what a bird is! Whether it be an
Ostrich, a Canary, or a Barn-yard Fowl, we immediately
distinguish it as a bird by its covering of feathers, if by
nothing else. Birds form a separate “‘ class” of the Verte-
brate Sub-kingdom of animals, and agree with the mammals
in possessing a four-chambered heart and hot blood. In
addition to their. covering of feathers they are characterised
by the fact that they produce their young from eggs laid by
the female (a point that is however shared by most reptiles,
and by several of the lower mammals), and that the fore-
limbs, in the shape of wings, are usually adapted for flight.
Their bones are moreover usually rendered lighter by being
partly hollow and filled with air; in addition they have a
number of ‘‘ air-sacs ’’ within their bodies which are also of
assistance in flight. Lastly, all modern birds are toothless,
at least as far as actual or true teeth are concerned.
The majority of the members of the avian world are
notable for their graceful form, and their power of being able
to transport themselves through space with ease and rapidity,
a fact which enables them to travel enormous distances.
Birds are, comparatively speaking, perhaps better known
and have attracted more notice than any other group of
animals, the beauty of the plumage of many of them, the
gift of sweet song with which others are endowed, their
economic value which is only now meeting with anything like
the recognition it deserves, have all tended to bring this about.
Birds form the great division or “class” of animals
termed ‘‘ Aves,” which class is divided into ‘ families,”
these again into “ genera,” and the last into “ species.”
. ix
ee
x
INTRODUCTION
They are divided by Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., &c., in a
paper in the “Ibis” for 1880, ‘‘ On the Present State of the
Systema Avium,” into the following groups or orders :—
Cuass AVES.
Sub-class Carinate (with a keeled sternum).
Order 1. PassERES (Crows, Starlings, Weaver-Birds, Finches,
to
i
Larks, Sunbirds, Shrikes, Warblers, Thrushes,
Fly-catchers, Cuckoo-Shrikes, Drongos and
Swallows).
. Prcarnrm (Woodpeckers, Barbets, Honey-guides,
Trogons, Colies, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers,
Hornbills, Hoopoes, Swifts, Nightjars, Cuckoos
and Plaintain-eaters).
. Psrrraci (Parrots).
. StricEes (Owls).
. Acciprrres (Falcons, Kites, Buzzards, Hagles,
Hawks, Vultures and Secretary-Bird).
. StecanopopEs (Frigate-Birds, Pelicans, Cor-
morants, Darters, Gannets and Tropic Birds).
. Heropionss (Herons, Storks, and Ibises).
. OpontoGLoss# (Flamingoes).
Anseres (Geese and Ducks).
. CoLuMB# (Pigeons and Doves).
. Prerocuetss (Sand Grouse).
. GALLINe (Game-Birds, Guinea-Fowl. Francolin,
Quail).
. Hemrpopti (Three-toed or Button-quails).
. Funicarta (Coots, Moorhens, Rails and Finfoot),
. ALECTORIDEsS (Cranes and Bustards).
. Limicot# (Thickheads, Coursers, Plovers, Sand-
pipers, Snipe and Jacanas).
. Gavim (Skuas, Gulls and Terns).
INTRODUCTION xi
Order 18. Tusrnarzs (Albatrosses, Shearwaters and Petrels).
» 19. Pygopropzs (Divers and Grebes).
» 20. Impannes (Penguins).
Sub-class Ratiie (Sternum without a keel).
» 21, SrrurHionEs (Ostriches).
We have heard Europeans assert that there are few birds
in South Africa! Did these individuals go to any trouble
to prove or disprove their allegations? As a matter of fact,
South Africa teems with bird-life of a varied and interesting
nature; even the most uninviting stretches of flat, dreary-
looking veld have their share, for here we find larks, pipits,
chats, bustards, lapwings and coursers, besides an occasional
owl or hawk.
South Africa is a large country, whose topographical and
climatic aspects are greatly diversified, and bird-life is
accordingly often very ‘‘localised” in distribution and
variety. A bird may be common in one district, yet twenty
or thirty miles away this same species may be quite scarce.
Ornithology—and indeed most sciences excepting en-
gineering, mineralogy, and one or two more—have been
neglected in South Africa, and it is only during recent years
that any real interest has been evinced in this delightful
study, beyond the limits of the few enthusiasts and pro-
fessionals engaged in its pursuit. This is all the more
surprising when we take into consideration the fact that there
is such an immense field for good and original work amongst
the fauna of this country, by reason of this very neglect on
the part of our predecessors. With the exception of Messrs.
A D. Millar and Austin Roberts, there are very few South
African born students who have taken the trouble to verify
and extend the discoveries of le Vaillant, Victorin, A. Smith,
Burchell and Mr. Ayres, and others of the old ‘‘ pioneers ”
of South African ornithology.
xii INTRODUCTION
With the help of the photographs in this book it should
not be difficult for any one to recognise and determine a
good proportion of the members of the South African avi-
fauna, without having recourse to the task of skinning. The
latter is, however, learnt with a little patience and practice,
and will be found indispensable to any one taking up the
study of ornithology in earnest.
' Notes on habits, coloration of soft parts, contents of crops,
dates, &c., should be carefully entered in a book kept for
the purpose.
For information on skinning we would direct attention
to a little work of Rowland Ward’s, 166, Piccadilly, London,
called the ‘‘ Sportsman’s Handbook’ (price three shillings
and sixpence) ; and for further and more scientific informa-
tion on our birds, the four excellent volumes on Birds by
Dr. A. C. Stark and W. L. Sclater in the “ Fauna of South
Africa ” series, must be consulted.
PPER TAIL
COVEATS
TRICES) .@
Tart. (REC
I Frimanies.
I. SECONDARIES
I FRIMARY COVERTS.
IV. Greater Wing coverTs
V Meoran COvEerTs
VI. LESSER WING-COVERTS )
y
VI BasTaro-wine. (4 no) lof
-=="70ES
The Nomenclature of the External Portions of a Bird’s Anatomy
(after Reichenow).
INTRODUCTION xiii
NOTE
The large majority of the illustrations in this work are
from photographs from life by my friend, Ropsrr H. Ivy, of
Grahamstown, whose name appears on the title-page. Where
this is not the case, a note to the effect is added.
Iam mainly responsible for the text.
ALWIN HAAGNER.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
Tu1s is more a popular than a scientific book, as it is
specially written with a view to increasing the love for
bird study in South Africa. At the present time the
country’s inhabitants show a considerable lack of know-
ledge where their own flora and fauna are concerned, and
there are but few Colonial-born ornithologists in South
Africa. The want of a work such as this has been
frequently expressed, and we have, therefore, attempted
to fill the gap.
Although essentially a popular work, it embodies the
results of many years of patient study by the authors, in
consequence of which we hope that other students of
bird-life will find in it something original and of interest.
Our chief difficulty has been to know where to stop ; what
to include, and what to omit. In this matter we had
perforce to be guided, to a considerable extent, by the
illustrations we possessed. We have tried to be short
and concise, yet accurate. We are, however, fully aware
that fault may be found with our method of treatment,
which is based largely on the habits of the birds.
By referring to the Systematic Index the relative
position of a bird in ornithological classification can be
easily determined. :
We have included a few personal experiences, with the
object of making the book, from a popular standpoint,
more interesting.
xv
Xvi PREFACE
Our best thanks are due to Dr. Duerden for kindly
advice; and to Doctors Gough, Kirkman, and Robertson,
and Messrs. Millar, Draper and Pym, for the loan of
photographs; and to the Council of the South African
Ornithologists’ Union, for the loan of several blocks.
To the students of African ornithology this work is
respectfully dedicated by
THE AUTHORS.
MoppERFONTEIN, TRANSVAAL,
September 1, 1907.
CONTENTS
Prerace to THE Seconp EpIrion
INTRODUCTION
PreFAce TO THE First Eprrion .
Systematic INDEX
List or ILLUSTRATIONS
CHAPTER I
ScAVENGERS OF THE VELD
CHAPTER II
FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST .
CHAPTER III
THe Farmer’s Fors
CHAPTER IV
Birp ARCHITECTS . 7
CHAPTER V
DenNIZENS OF THE Forsst
CHAPTER VI
ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
CHAPTER VII
Tur Birps or RIvER AND VLEI .
CHAPTER VIII
Birps oF rag Sa anv Coast
CHAPTER IX
Birp-PARASITES
Name INDEX
xvii
xix
xxxili
108
143
196
228
260
268
289
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
ORDER PASSERES.
Famity CorviDAz.
Corvultur albicollis (Lath.), 1, 7
Corvus scapulatus (Daud.), 196
capensis (Licht.), 196
Famity STURNIDAE.
Sub-family Buphaginae.
Buphaga africana (Linn.), 199
erythrorhyncha (Stan), 199
Sub-family Sturninae.
Creatophora carunculata (Gm.), 10
Amydrus morio (Linn.), 82
Spreo bicolor (Gm.), 82
Lamprocolius phoenicopterus (Swains.), 153
phoenicopterus bispecularis (Strickl.), 153
sycobius (Licht.), 153
melanogaster (Swains.), 153
Cinnyricinclus verreauxi (Boc.), 154
FamiIty ORIOLIDAE.
Oriolus galbula (Linn.), 154
notatus (Peters), 154
larvatus (Licht.), 156
auratus, 154
Faminy PLocrerpa£.
Sub-family Ploceinae. :
Hyphantornis velatus (Vieill), 108
spilonotus (Vigors), 109
auricapillus, 110
subaureus (Smith), 110
Sitagra ocularia (Smith), 110
capensis (Linn.), 110
caffra (Licht.), 110
Sycobrotus gregalis, 112
Anaplectes rubriceps, 113
Textor niger, 114
xix
xX SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity PLocerpar—continued.
Sub-family Ploceinae—continued.
Ploceipasser mohali (Smith), 114
Sporopipes squamifrons (Smith), 115
Sub-family Estrildinae.
Lagonosticta rubricata (Licht.), 115
brunneiceps, 115
Estrilda astrilda (Linn.), 116
angolensis (Linn.), 116
granatina (Linn.), 116
celarkei, 116
dufresni (Vieill.), 117
Ortygospiza polyzona (Temm.), 117
Philetaerus socius (Lath.), 117
Amadina erythrocephala, 118
fasciata, 118
Sub-family Viduinae.
Quelea quelea, 84
Pyromelana oryx (Linn.), 84, 118
taha (Smith), 120
capensis (Linn.), 120
approximans, 120
xanthomelaena, 120
Diatropura procne (Bodd.), 84
Coliuspasser ardens, 123
Vidua principalis (Linn.), 123
regia, 123
paradisea, 123
Faminy FRINGILLIDAE.
Sub-family Fringillinae.
Petronia superciliaris, 149
Passer melanurus, 149
motitensis, 151
griseus, 151
Poliospiza gularis (Smith), 147
Serinus canicollis (Swains.), 143
sulphuratus (Linn.), 146
flaviventris (Swains.), 146
marshalli, 146
icterus (Bonn. & Vieill.), 146
albigularis (Smith), 146
angolensis (Gm.), 147
Alario alario (Linn.), 147
Sub-family Emberizinae.
Emberiza flaviventris (Vieill.), 151
Fringillaria capensis (Linn.), 14
tahapisi (Smith), 14
~
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity ALAUDIDAE.
Pyrrhulauda australis (Smith), 200
verticalis (Smith), 200
smithi (Ayres), 200
Mirafra rufipilea (Vieill.), 201
Famity Moraci.iipar.
Macronyx capensis (Linn.), 201
eroceus (Vieill.), 202
ameliae (de Tarrag.), 202
Anthus trivialis (Linn.), 202
pyrrhonotus (Vieill.), 202
rufulus (Vieill.), 202
vaalensis, 202
Tmetothylacus tenellus (Cab.), 203
Motacilla vidua (Sund.), 15
longicauda (Riipp.), 15
eapensis (Linn.), 15
campestris (Pall.), 18
flava (Linn.), 18
melanocephala (Licht.), 18
Famity PROMEROPIDAE.
Promerops cafer (Linn.), 20
gurneyi (J. Verr.), 20
Famity NECTARINIDAE.
Nectarinia famosa (Linn.), 124
Cinnyris mariquensis (Smith), 124
leucogaster (Vieill.), 126
/& afer (Linn.), 126
chalybeus (Linn.), 127
gutturalis (Linn.), 127
amethystinus (Shaw), 127
verreauxi (Smith), 129
Anthobaphes violacea (Linn.), 129
Anthothreptes collaris (Vieill.), 129
Famity ZOSTEROPIDAE.
Zosterops virens (Bp.), 156
capensis (Sund.), 156
Famity PaRripAe. .
Parus afer (Gm.), 159
cinerascens, 159
niger (Bonn. & Vieill.), 159
Aegithalus minutus, 131
smithi, 131
Xx
XX SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Faminy LANIDAE.
Sub-family Laniinae.
Urolestes melanoleucus (Jard. & Selb.), 159
Lanius collaris (Linn.), 160
collurio (Linn.), 161
Nilaus brubru (Lath.), 161
Sub-family Malaconotinae.
Telephonus senegalus (Linn.), 162
tchagra (Vieill.), 162
australis (Smith), 162
Dryoscopus cubla (Shaw), 163
ferrugineus, 164
Laniarius atrococcineus (Burch.), 165
gutturalis (P. Mull.), 165
quadricolor (Cassin), 165
rubiginosus (Sundev.), 166
olivaceus, 167
sulphureipectus (Less.), 167
Malaconotus hypopyrrhus, 168
Nicator gularis (Finsch & Hartl.), 168
Lanioturdus torquatus (Waterh.), 168
Sub-family Prionopinae.
Sigmodus retzii (Wahl.), 168
tricolor (Gray), 168
Prionops talacoma (Smith), 168
Famity CRaTEROPODIDAE,
Sub-family Brachypodinae.
Pyecnonotus barbatus tricolor, 86
layardi, 86
capensis capensis, 86
nigricans, 86
Andropadus importunus (Vieill.), 169
Sub-family Brachypteryginae.
Parisoma subcaeruleum (Vieill.), 20
Famity SYLVIIDAE.
Camaroptera olivacea (Vieill.), 137
Sylviella rufescens (Vieill.), 138
Prinia flavicans (Bonn. & Vieill.), 138
Cisticolae, 139
Famity TURDIDAE,
Turdus litsipsirupa (Smith), 21
olivaceus (Linn.}, 21
cabanisi (Cab.), 21
libonianus (Sm.), 22
Monticola rupestris (Vieill.), 22
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famiry TurpIpaE—continued.
Monticola explorator (Vieill.), 22
brevipes (Waterh.), 24
Myrmecocichla formicivora (Vieill.), 24
bifasciata (Ternm.), 24
Pratincola torquata (Linn.), 26
Saxicola monticola (Vieill.), 27 ‘
pileata (Gm.), 27
familiaris (Steph.), 27
Emarginata sinuata (Sund.), 28
Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris (Lafr.), 29
Cossypha bicolor (Sparrm.), 171
natalensis (Smith), 172
caffra (Linn.), 170
signata (Sund.), 172
Tarsiger silens, 172
Famity MoscicaPipak.
Alseonax adusta (Boie), 31
Batis capensis (Linn.), 31
molitor (Hahn & Kust.), 32
pririt (Vieill.), 33
Tchitrea perspicillata (Swains.), 34
plumbeiceps, 35
Musicapa grisola, 35
Famity DicRURIDAE.
Dicrurus afer (Licht.), 175
ludwigii (Sm.), 175
FaMIty CAMPOPHAGIDAE.
Campophaga nigra (Vieill.), 37
hartlaubi (Salvad.), 37
Graucalus caesius (Licht.), 37
Famity HIRUNDINIDAE.
Ptyonoprogne fuligula, 133
Hirundo rustica (Linn.), 134
albigularis (Strickl.), 134
cucullata (Bodd.), 135
dimidiata, 135
puella (Temm. & Schl.), 135
semiruta (Sund.), 135
Petrochelidon spilodera (Sund.), 135
Orper II. PICARIAE.
Sub-order Upupi.
Faminty UPuPIDAs.
Upupa africana (Bechst.), 37
Xxill
XXIV SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity IrRisoRIDAF.
Irrisor viridis (A. A. H. Licht.), 40
Rhinopomastus cyanomelas (Vieill.), 41
Sub-order II. Cypseli.
Famity CyPSELIDAE.
Cypselus africanus (Temm.), 42
apus (Linn.), 41
caffer (Licht.), 42
affinis (Gray & Hardw.), 41
Famity CAPRIMULGIDAE.
Caprimulgus europaeus (Linn.}, 44
rufigena (Smith), 44
pectoralis (Cuvier), 42
Cosmetornis vexillarius (Gould), 42
Sub-order Anisodactyli.
FaMILty CoRACIIDAE.
Coracias garrulus (Linn.), 45
caudatus (Linn.), 45
spatulatus (Trimen), 45
mosambicus (Dresser), 45
Eurystomus afer, 46
Famity MEROPIDAE,
Merops apiaster (Linn.), 46
persicus (Pall.), 46
nubicoides (Desm. & Puch.}, 46
Melittophagus meridionalis (Sharpe), 47
bullockoides (Smith), 47
Famity ALCEDINIDAE.
Ceryle rudis (Linn.), 228
maxima, (Pall.), 228
Alcedo semitorquata (Swains.), 230
Corythornis cyanostigma (Riipp.), 231
Ispidina natalensis (Smith), 232
Halcyon albiventris (Scop.), 232
chelicuti (Stanley), 234
cyanoleucus (Vieill.), 234
senegaloides (Smith), 234
FamIty CoLIDAE.
Colius striatus (Gmel.), 87
capensis (Gmel.), 88
indicus (Vieill.), 88
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity BUCEROTIDAE.
Bycanistes buccinator (Temmi.), 177
Lophoceros melanoleucus (Licht.), 177
erythrorhynchus (Temm.), 181
leucomelas (Licht.), 182
Sub-order Trogones.
Famity TROGONIDAE.
Apaloderma narina (Steph.), 182
Sub-order Zygodactyli.
Famity PIcIpAs.
Sub-family Picinae.
Geocolaptes olivaceus (Gml.), 51
Campothera notata (Licht.), 52
Dendropicus cardinalis (Gmel.), 52
Mesopicus griseocephalus (Bodd.), 52
Sub-family Iynginae.
Tynx ruficollis (Wag]l:), 52
Faminy INDICATORIDAE.
Indicator indicator, 269
major (Steph.), 271
variegatus (Less.), 271
minor (Steph.), 272
Prodotiscus regulus (Sund.), 273
FaMiILy CAPITONIDAE.
Lybius torquatus (Dumont), 53
Tricholaema leucomelan (Bodd.), 54
Barbatula pusilla (Dumont), 55
extoni (Layard), 55
Trachyphonus ecafer (Vieill.), 57
Sub-order Coccyges.
FamMILy CUCULIDAE.
Sub-family Cuculinae.
Cuculus gularis (Steph.), 277
canorus (Linn.), 277
solitarius (Steph.), 279
clamosus (Lath.), 279
Chrysococcyx smaragdineus (Swains.), 280
klaasi (Steph.), 281
cupreus (Bodd.), 284
Coecystes glandarius (Linn.), 285
jacobinus (Bodd.), 287
hypopinarius (Cab. & Heine), 287
caffer (Licht.), 288
serratus (Sparrm.), 287
XXV
XXV1 SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity CucuLipa—E—continued.
Sub-family Centropodinae.
Centropus burchelli (Swains.), 57
superciliosus (Hempr. & Ehr.), 57
grilli, 59
Ceuthmochares australis (Sharpe), 60
Famity MUSoPpHAGIDAE.
Turacus corythaix (Wagl.), 183
Gallirex porphyreolophus (Vig.), 183
Schizorhis concolor (Smith,, 185
OrpER PSITTACI.
Famity PsITraciDAE.
Sub-family Pioninae.
Poeocephalus robustus (Gmel.), 185
meyeri (Cretzsch.), 186
fuscicollis, 185
Sub-family Palaeornithinae.
Agapornis roseicollis (Vieill.), 186
nigrigenys (W. L. Scl.), 186
OrpreR STRIGES.
Famity STRIGIDAE.
Strix flammea (Linn.), 60
capensis (Smith), 60
Famity BUBONIDAE.
Asio capensis (Smith), 63
leucotis, 64
Syrnium Woodfordi (Smith), 68
Bubo capensis (Smith), 68
maculosus (Vieill.), 68
lacteus (Temm.), 69
Scops capensis (Smith), 70
Glaucidium perlatum (Vieill.), 70
Ornprer ACCIPITRES.
Falco biarmieus (Temm.), 89
minor, 89
ruficollis (Swains.), 89
Poliohierax semitorquatus, 89
Cerchneis rupicolus (Daud.), 70
rupicoloides (Smith), 70
naumanni (Fleisch.), 73
amurensis (Radde), 73
Aquila verreauxi (Less.), 91
SYSTEMATIC INDEX XXVIl
Aquila rapax (Temm.), 94
wahlbergii (Sund.), 94
Kutolmaetus spilogaster (Bp.), 94
bellicosus (Daud.), 94
Spizaetus coronatus (Linn.), 95
Lophoaetus occipitalis (Daud.), 96
Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.), 96
Gypaétus ossifragus (Savig.), 7
Buteo jakal (Daud.), 97
desertorum (Grill.), 99
Milvus aegyptius (Gmel.), 102
Elanus caeruleus (Desf.), 102
Accipiter minullus (Daud.), 104
rufiventris (Smith), 104
Astur tachiro (Daud.), 104
polyzonoides, 107
Faminy VULTURIDAE.
Gyps kolbii (Daud.), 1
Pseudogyps africanus (Salvad.), 5
Otogyps auricularis (Daud.), 4
Neophron perenopterus (Linn.), 7
Famity SERPENTARIDAE.
Serpentarius secretarius (Scop.), 204
OrperR STEGANOPODES.
Famity PHALACROCORACIDAE.
Sub-family Phalacrocoracidae.
Phalacrocorax lucidus (Licht.), 234
africanus (Gmel.), 234
capensis, 260
neglectus, 260
Sub-family Plotinae.
Anhinga rufa (Lacep. & Daud.), 235
Faminty SuLIDAE.
Sula capensis, 262
Taminy PELICANIDAE.
Pelecanus roseus (Gmel.), 235
rufescens, 236
OrpER HERODIONES.
Faminy CIconnIDAE.
Abdimia abdimii (Licht.), 14
Ciconia alba (Bechst. C. Ciconia), 13
Leptoptilus crumeniferus (Less.), 8
XXVIl SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Famity ScoPipagr,
Scopus umbretta (Gmel.), 139
Famity ARDEIDAE.
Ardea goliath (Cretszch.), 237
cinera (Linn.), 237
melanocephala (Vig. & Child.), 237
purpurea (Linn.), 238
Herodias alba (Linn.}, 238
brachyrhynchos (Brehm), 238
garzetta (Linn.), 238
Bubulcus ibis (Linn.), 238
Butorides atricapilla (Afzel.), 239
Nycticorax nycticorax, 239
leuconotus (Wagl.), 240
Ardetta, 240
Famity Inprpipan.
Ibis aethiopica (Lath.), 240
Theristicus hagedash (Lath.), 243
Geronticus calvus, 241
‘ORDER ODONTOGLOSSAE.
Famity PHOENICOPTERIDAE.
Phoenicopterus roseus (Pall), 243
minor (Geoffr.), 244
.OnpER ANSERES.
Faminy ANATIDAE.
Plectropterus gambensis (Linn.), 244
Nettopus auritus (Bodd.), 245
Chenalopex aegyptiacus (Linn.), 245
Anas undulata (Dubois), 247
sparsa (Smith), 247
eapensis (Gmel.), 250 ~
erythrorhyncha (Gmel.), 250
Spatula capensis (Smith), 250
Nyroca capensis, 250
Thalassornis leuconotus (Smith), 251
OrpER COLUMBAE.
Famity TRERONIDAE.
Vinago delalandii (Bp.), 187
SYSTEMATIC INDEX Xx1x
Faminy CoLUMBIDAE.
Columba phaenota (G. R. Gray), 187
arquatrix (Temm. & Knip.), 188
Turtur semitorquatus (Riipp.), 191
capicola (Sund.), 191
senegalensis (Linn.), 191
Oena capensis (Linn.), 192
Tympanistria tympanistria, 193
Chaleopelia afra (Linn.), 193
Haplopelia larvata (Temm. & Knip.), 193
OrpER PTEROCLETES.
Pterocles variegatus (Burch.), 205
gutturalis (Smith), 205
bicinetus (Temm.), 206
Pteroclurus namaqua (Gmel.), 206
OrpER GALLINAE.
Francolinus africanus (Steph.), 208
levaillanti (Valenc.), 208
gariepensis (Smith), 208
Pternistes nudicollis (Bodd.), 210
swainsoni (Smith), 210
Coturnix africana (Temm. & Schl.), 77
delagorguei (Delag.), 77
Numida coronata (Gray), 78
Guttera edouardi (Hartl.), 80
~OrpER FULICARIAE.
Famity RaLipak.
Rallus caerulescens (Gm.), 252
Crex pratensis, 252
egregia (Ptrs.), 252
Gallinula ckloropus (Linn.), 253
angulata (Sundev.), 253
Limnocorax niger (Gm.), 253
Porphyrio porphyrio (Linn.), 253
Fulica cristata (Gmel.), 253
Orper ALECTORIDES.,
FaMity GRUIDAE.
Bugeranus carunculatus (Gmel.), 210
Anthropoides paradisea (Licht.), 210
Balearica regulorum (Bennett), 212
XxX SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Pamity OTIDAE.
Otis afra (Gmel.), 213
afroides (Smith), 213
vigorsi (Smith), 213
ludwigii (Riipp.), 213
cafra (Licht.), 213
melanogaster (Riipp.), 214
caerulescens (Vieill.;, 214
barrovii (J. E. Gray), 214
kori (Burch), 214
OrpER LIMICOLAE.
Famity OEDICNEMIDAE.
Oedicnemus capensis (Licht.), 216
vermiculatus (Cab.), 217
Famity GLAREOLIDAE.
Sub-family Cursoriinae.
Cursorius rufus (Gould), 219
temmincki (Swains.), 220
Rhinoptilus africanus (Temm.), 220
chalcopterus, 221
Sub-family Glareolinae.
Glareola pratincola (Linn.), 12
melanoptera (Nordm.), 12
Famity CHARADRIIDAE.
Sub-family Charadriinae.
Hoplopterus armatus (Burch.), 221
Stephanibyx coronatus (Bodd.), 222
melanopterus (Cretzsch.), 222
Charadrius tricollaris (Vieill.), 255
varius (nec Linn.), (Vieill.), 256
marginatus, 262
Haematopus moquini, 262
Sub-family Totaninae.
Numenius arquatus (Linn.), 257
Sub-family Scolopacinae.
Gallinago major (Gmel.), 257
nigripennis (Bp.), 257
Rostratula bengalensis, 258
OrpER GAVIAE.
Larus dominicanus, 263
cirrhocephalus, 263
hartlaubi, 263
Sterna fluviatilis, 263
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
OrpER TUBINARES.
Majaqueus aequinoctialis, 265
Ossifraga giganteus, 265
Daption capensis, 265
Diomedia melanophrys, 265
OrpER PYGOPODES.
Famity PopDIcIPEDIDAE.
Colymbus cristatus (Linn.), 258
nigricollis (Breh.), 259
capensis (Licht.) (Salvad.), 259
Ornper IMPENNES.
Spheniscus demersus, 265
Sub-class RATITAE.
OrpeR STRUTHIONES.
Famity STRUTHIONIDAE.
Struthio australis (Gurney), 224
XXXl
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece. The Author and Photographer.
Fie.
Young Griffon Vulture in nest -
White-necked Raven: typical noha alte
Marabou Stork . a
Wattled or Locust Starting ak nest
Young Long-tailed Wagtail in nest..
Cape Wagtail settling on its eggs
Cape Long-tailed Sugar-Bird at nest
Cape Rock Thrush at nest ae .
South African Stone Chat, male, female,
nest: and eggs
10 Sickle-wing Chat on nest
11 Nest of Cape Flycatcher oe
12 White-flanked Flycatcher with aby ane ane
13 Female Paradise Flycatcher on nest
14 Nest and eggs of Cuckoo-Shrike
15 Female Black Cuckoo-Shrike on nest
16 South African Hoopoe near nest hole in ant-
heap .
17 Wood Hoopes at eae
@8 South African Hoopoe 3 a
19 South African Nightjar on its ee
20 Young South African Nightjar
21 Ground Woodpecker at entrance to nest hole
22 Olive Woodpecker at nest hole
23 Knysna Woodpecker
24 South African Wryneck be st
25 Black-collared Barbet at nest hole ...
26 Cape Tinker Bird at nest hole
27 White-browed Coucal at nest
28 South African Barn Owl
29 Grass Owl sis
30 White-faced Owls
31 Young Cape Eagle Owl
OCOMANDoeT PWD
xxxili
Pace
Dr. L. Gough 3
R. H. Ivy 6
Dr. L. Gough 8
R. H. Ivy 11
R. H. Ivy 16
R. A. Ivy 17
R. A. Ivy 19
R. H. Ivy 23
R. H. Ivy 25
R. A. Ivy 28
A. D. Millar 30
R. H. Ivy 33
R. H. Ivy 34
R. H. Ivy 36
R. H. Ivy 36
R. A. Ivy 38
R. H. Ivy 39
R. H. Ivy 40
R. H. Tvy 43
R. A. Ivy 44
R. H. Ivy 49
R. H. Ivy 50
R. H. Ivy 51
R. A. Ivy 53
R. H. Ivy 54
R. H. Ivy 56
R. H. Ivy 58
R. A. Ivy 61
R. H. Ivy 62
C. Wilde 63
R. H. Ivy 64
XXXIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig.
32 Bush Owl, with young at nest hole
33 Cape Eagle Owl and nest...
34 A pair of Spotted Eagle Owls
35 Spotted Hagle Owl 4
36 South African Kestrel Pe ,
37 Four young South African Keatndla:
38 A pair of Lesser Kestrels
39 Cape Quail, nest and eggs a
40 Crowned Guinea Fowl, nest and caus
41 Guinea Fowl Chicks hatching out ...
42 J. R. Ivy climbing to nest of Redwing
Spreeuw :
43 Rad-wing Spreeuw or ‘Stenting at sat
44 Cape Bulbul at nest . aee
45 Speckled Mousebird . i
46 South African Lanner ‘Falcon.
47 Pigmy Falcon a
48 Martial Hawk- Eagle .. :
49 Nest of Crowned Hawk-Reagle
50 Dr. Stark and R. H. Ivy
51 Female Jackal Buzzard at nest of South
African Goshawk ... wes zs
52 Young Jackal Buzzards in nest
53 Jackal Buzzard (adult)
54 Black-shouldered Kite...
55 Red-breasted Sparrow-Hawk
56 Nest and eggs of African Goshawk
57 Female South African Goshawk at nest
58 Nests of Masked Weaver-Bird
59 Nest of Bottle Weaver-Bird
60 Cape Weaver-Bird at nest
61 Nest of Forest Weaver-Bird... re
62 The home of the Red aaa ae
63 Cape Bishop-Bird near nest
64 Nest of Red-collared Widew-Bird .
65 Malachite Sunbird at nest
66 Double-collared Sunbird at nest
67 Nest of Black Sunbird 2 ia
68 Male, female, and nest of Black Banbird ae
69 Nest of Cape Penduline Tit . es
70 Nest of White-throated Swallow
71 Pearl-breasted Swallow on nest
72 Nest of Lesser Stripe-breasted Swallow
73 Nest and eggs of Cisticola ruficapilla
74 Breeding Colony of Cliff Swallows ...
. Ivy
ee aR ey Rey By By RY ey
by
iS
<
be Pe Be oD By By Dy by BO Dy by cis We Res ee cone
Rk. Langford 90
B. Horsbrugh 91
A. Ivy 92
H. Ivy 93
A. O. Pym 95
H. Ivy 98
H. Ivy 100
H. Ivy 101
H. Ivy 103
Hi. Ivy 105
H. Ivy 105
H. Ivy 106
H.U. Draper 109
D. Millar lll
H. Ivy 112
A. Ivy 113
Haagner 119
H. Ivy 121
. J. Ellemor 122
R. A. Ivy 125
R. H. Ivy 126
A. D. Millar 128
R. A. Ivy 130
Dr. Kirkman 132
R. H. Ivy 133
R. H. Ivy 134
R. A. Ivy 136
R. A. Ivy 136
R. Chambers 137
Fia.
75
76
77
78
79
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Hammerhead and nest on a rock
A pair of young Hammerheads
Nest of Hammerhead in a tree
Collecting : The Pool, Blaauwkrantz
Cape Canary at nest . i
Streaky-headed Seedeater at nest oe
Diamond Sparrow near nest hole
Golden-breasted Bunting at nest ae
Female and nest of Black-headed Oriole ...
Cape White-Eye at nest :
Black Tit at nest hole
Fiska] Shrike on nest :
Nest and eggs of Three- streaked Bush Shrike
Puff-back Shrikes and nest. (Drawn by H.
Grénvold) ... ae ae ait
Bakbakiri Shrike on ita died
Sombre Bulbul at nest ,
Nest and eggs of Noisy Robin: Chat
Female Black Bush Robin on nest
Fork-tailed Drongo with nest and eggs
Nest of Square-tailed Drongo
Crowned Hornbill in its forest home
Crowned Hornbill at nest hole
Nest hole of Crowned Hornbill
Knysna Lourie with nest and eggs
South African Speckied or Rock aki
Olive Pigeon ... i
South African Speckled Pigeon
Red-eyed Dove at nest
Emerald-spotted Dove
Black Crow afi
The home of the Rathades sa
The home of the Warblers ... ee
Rufous-headed Lark at nest ae
Tawny Pipit, nest and eggs .
Orange River Francolin cihtslea heboline ne
Cape Redwing Francolin at nest sis
Blue or Stanley Crane
Blue-breasted Korhaans
Cape Dikkop’s eggs
Water Dikkop
Rufous Courser, with =
Crowned Lapwing at nest
Black-winged Plover and eggs
Female Ostrich on its eggs ...
Pace
R. H. Ivy 140
R. H. Ivy 141
HL. H,.U. Draper 142
Dr. Robertson 144
R. H. Ivy 145
R. A. Ivy 148
R. H. Ivy 150
R. H. Ivy 152
R. H. Ivy 155
R. A. Ivy 157
R. A. Ivy 158
R. H. Ivy 160
A. Haagner 163
(Photo. Ivy) 164
R. H. Ivy 166
R. HH. Toy 169
R. H. Ivy 171
Hewett Ivy 173
R. H. Ivy 174
A. D, Millar 176
J. R. Ivy 178
R. H. Ivy 179
R. A. Ivy 181
R. H. Ivy 184.
Rh. H. Ivy 188
R. H. Ivy 189
R. H. Ivy 190
R. H. Ivy 191
R. H. Ivy 194
R. H. Ivy 197
A. Haagner 198
A. Haagner 198
R. H. Ivy 200
R. H. Ivy 203
R. H. Ivy 207
R. H. Ivy 209
R. H. Ivy 211
Horsbrugh 214
R. H. Ivy 217
R. H. Ivy 218
R. H. Ivy 219
R. H. Ivy 223
R. H. Ivy 224
R. H. Ivy 225
XXXvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fie.
119 Young Ostrich Chicks (to show ides of
head) eee wa
120 Typical Albany Stenery
121 Half-collared Kingfisher
122 Malachite Kingfisher 7 dat
123 Brown-hooded Kingfisher near neat hole dies
124 Pink-backed Pelican wits sas
125 Hadadah Ibis on nest .
126 Nest and eggs of Hadadah Ibia
127 Egyptian Geese (enlarged)
128 A pair of Egyptian Geese
129 Black Duck ...
130 Nest and eggs of Black ‘uci 8
131 Nest and eggs of White-backed Duck
132 King Reed-hen, or Purple Gallinule
133 Three-collared Plover and egg sa
134 Cape Cormorants, with Sacred Ibis in the
back-ground = whe aoe See
135 Jackass Penguin on nest vai
136 Jackass Penguins on Dassen Island a3
137 Nestling Scaly-throated Honey-guide
138 Lesser Honey-guide at nest hole of Black-
throated Barbet é :
139 Eggs of Honey-guides with those af ieerg
140 Eggs of Cuckoos with those of hosts
141 Red-chested Cuckoo ...
142 Young Red-chested Gudknod in ni Heat; of Cape
Rock Thrush an sie ai
143 Black Cuckoo .
144 Young Bronze Ganon in Sunhied’a nest
145 Klaas’ or Bronze Cuckoo 3
146 Young Golden or Diedric Cuckoo in west of
Cape Sparrow as
147 Nest of Red-vented Tit- Babbler, sith aaa
of Golden Cuckoo ...
148 Two young Great Spotted Cuckoos j in neat
of Red-wing Starling .
RP RRR PDD PERE RRR OR SOR DBD
MoM RRR Ree Begg ae
x
m Ye i Ry py
SRR
Pace
227
229
230
231
233
236
241
242
245
246
248
249
251
254
256
261
264
266
270
273
274
276
277
278
280
281
282
283
283
286
SKETCHES OF
SOUTH AFRICAN BIRD-LIFE
CHAPTER I
SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD
YULTURES AND RAYENS
SoutH Arrica fortunately possesses quite a number of
species of the Vulture tribe, the commonest of which is
generally known as the Gyps kolbu of ornithologists and
the Aasvogel of the Boers.
Birds with an unprepossessing appearance and an evil
smell, they are, nevertheless, exceedingly useful in clearing
the veld of carrion. During the rinderpest and other fearful
epidemics among live stock, the Vultures were of great
utility in clearing off the putrid remains of bovine herds.
Even these birds, plentiful as they were, could not cope with
the number of cattle that were dying, or had to be shot,
and were buried in hundreds. The Vultures’ feast; what
a sight! Yet it has its interesting side.
During the year 1890, both this Vulture and the White-
necked Raven (Corvultur albicollis) were common in the
neighbourhood of Grahamstown, and no sooner was a dead
horse or other animal dragged out to one of the kloofs than
Ravens and Vultures could be seen winging their way to the
spot from all quarters of the horizon. Judging by the way
B
2 SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD
they follow one another, we feel convinced that they locate
the carcass more by sight than from any sense of smell.
The Ravens were always the more fearless and the first to
arrive. Within an hour there would be between fifty and
a hundred Vultures circling in mid-air, or sitting on the
boulders around the carcass, waiting until there was no
apparent danger. Meanwhile, the more fearless Ravens
were making an excellent meal. As soon as the Vultures
feel confidence in their safety the carcass is attacked en bloc
and a tearing and rending of flesh, flapping of wings and
screaming ensues.
During the rinderpest the Vultures were in the habit
of gorging themselves to such an extent that they could
just manage to drag themselves to the water—if any was
near—have a drink and vomit everything up, then return
and gorge again. They were often so completely gorged
with the putrid flesh that they could barely move and could
easily be knocked over with a stick. We often attempted
to ride them down when in this legarthic condition, but
few horses will go close to a Vulture, shying violently at the
grotesque figure, to which they are quite unaccustomed.
In attacking a carcass, as a rule, the eyes and tongue are
picked out first.
The Aasvogel has recently taken to an entirely new depar-
ture. Grave reports have repeatedly come in from farmers
to the South African Ornithologists’ Union and the various
Departments of Agriculture, stating that the Vulture has
developed a taste for fresh meat. The farmers complain of
their sheep being destroyed, even full-grown ewes being killed
and devoured. One reason for this change of habit is pro-
bably the increase in numbers, consequent upon the plentiful
supply of food during the rinderpest, and the subsequent
falling off in this food supply owing to the eradication of the
epidemic. Mr. Claude Taylor gives prominence to this
VULTURES AND RAVENS 3
serious new phase in the economy of the Vulture, in the
June, 1907, number of the Journal of the South African
Ormithologists’ Union.
(Photo. Dr. Gough.)
Fie. 1.—Young Griffon Vulture in nest.
The South African Griffon Vulture is generally of a pale
ashy brown colour, the tail and primary wing-feathers being
black, but the coloration of the bird varies considerably,
4 SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD
young specimens being darker and old birds being almost
white. It. usually nests in krantzes (cliffs) in the Orange
Free State, constructing a rough saucer-shaped nest of
sticks on a ledge of rock, or on a boulder. They are some-
times placed within easy access on a rocky hillside, and
sometimes on steep cliffs, where they can only be reached
by means of a rope suspended from above. Years before
the war we visited several such nesting sites and found them
strewn with the skeletons and feathers of the Vultures.
They lay one egg in July or August, usually of a dirty white
colour, but sometimes marked with a few brown spots.
In the Pretoria district they also build in trees, and the
Transvaal Museum contains a huge nest of sticks, placed
in the fork of a mimosa, containing a half-fledged young
bird. Quite a number of these young Vultures were brought
to the Pretoria Zoological Gardens from the same locality.
There is another fairly well-known species, the Black
Vulture, called by the Boers the Koning Aasvogel (King
Vulture) the Otogyps auricularis of science, which is con-
siderably scarcer than the ordinary Aasvogel, and is seldom
seen in large numbers, generally going about in pairs or in
small parties of from five to seven individuals. Mr. L. HE.
Taylor mentions one exception, in which case he found
twenty of them together at Irene, Transvaal.
This bird is held in apparently high respect by the ordinary
Griffon Vulture, a fact well illustrated on one notable occasion
in the Maroka district of the Orange Free State in 1894,
when about twenty vultures were feeding on a dead dog.
Suddenly a new arrival appeared on the scene, and the others
scattered, leaving the new-comer, a solitary Black Vulture,
to its lonely repast. It was a strange scene; there the bird
stood wrenching off and swallowing lumps of flesh, while
round him in a ring, but at a respectful distance, sat the
VULTURES AND RAVENS 5
others. Assoonas “ His Majesty ” retired satisfied, the other
birds rushed at the carcass, and the usual fighting, flapping
of wings, Screaming and tearing, went on again. We have
repeatedly seen how the Common Vulture stands in awe of
the Black, but the above-cited case was the most pronounced
and remarkable one of all.
There is a popular belief prevalent amongst the country-
folk that Vultures will not eat an animal killed by lightning,
but this is a fallacy. It may have occurred, but we know of
innumerable instances where sheep, goats and cattle so killed
have been devoured, and Mr. L. E. Taylor records a case
where a small flock of sheep killed by lightning were subse-
quently eaten by both Common and Black Vultures.
The Black Vulture nests in trees, building a large structure,
about 4 feet in diameter, of sticks, and laying a single egg
of a dirty white colour, sometimes blotched with reddish-
brown.
The African White-backed Vulture (Pseudogyps africanus)
is a little-known bird, differing mainly from the other species
in the possession of a pure white lower back and rump.
It is brown above and pale brown below. It is essentially
a Tropical African species, but was found breeding in some
number in June, near Potchefstroom, Transvaal, by Major
Sparrow, of the 7th Dragoon Guards. Some doubt was
expressed by Mr. W. L. Sclater, in his Check-list, as to the
identification of the species, one specimen, forwarded to the
South African Museum by A. Roberts, possessing fourteen
tail feathers, whereas the genus Pseudogyps is characterised
by the possession of twelve only. There is, however, a
specimen from Potchefstroom now in the Transvaal Museum
(received June 6, 1907), which is an undoubted example of
the White-backed Vulture, with twelve tail feathers.
The last of the Vulture tribe which concerns us is the
6 SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD
Fia. 2.—White-necked Raven: typical nesting site.
RAVENS—EAGLES—LAMMERGEYER 7
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), a much smaller
bird than kolbw or auricularis, and immediately distinguish-
able by the bristle-like ruff on the back of the head, and by
its slender beak. It is somewhat evenly distributed over
South Africa, being, however, according to Major Kirby,
more common in the Eastern Transvaal. There are speci-
mens in the Pretoria Zoological Gardens from the Ermelo
district.
RAVENS
The White-necked Raven breeds on a shelving rock or
in a hole, on the face of a krantz in some wooded kloof,
making a nest of sticks and lining it with fibres, and hair
of dassies (Procavia) and hares. It lays, during the months
of November to January, three eggs of a bluish-white colour
marked with various shades of brown.
EAGLES
Several of the Eagles feed on carrion, but as they are
nothing like exclusively carrion-feeders, we shall not describe
them in this chapter.
LAMMERGEYER
The peculiar Lammergeyer (Gypaétus ossifragus) is called
by the Boers the Lammervanger (Lamb-catcher), but the
stories told of its attacking sheep, and even human beings,
are exaggerated! They subsist chiefly on bones and carrion
and reside in mountain-fastnesses, the Drakensberg Range
between Natal and the Orange Free State being a favourite
haunt.
The bird has a bunch of black bristles under the chin,
and the general colour is ashy black above, and bright
rusty chestnut mottled with white below. Length, 44 inches.
8 SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD
Some of the old Boers looked upon this species as a bird
‘of ill-omen. It derived its specific name of ossifragus from
a popular belief amongst the ancients to the effect that
the bird carried into the air bones too large to swallow,
_and let them fall on a rock for the purpose of breaking them.
Fig. 3—The Marabou Stork. (Photo. Dr. Gough.)
THE MARABOU STORK
One other bird remains to be mentioned, the solemn and
grotesque-looking Marabou (Leptoptilus crumeniferus), which,
THE MARABOU STORK 9
although belonging to the Stork family (Ciconude), is never-
theless a true carrion feeder, its strong sharp beak enabling
it to compete successfully against the Vultures and Ravens.
Although feeding largely on carrion, it also eats crabs,
fish, and various insects. Andersson mentions it as a true
scavenger. It does not breed in South Africa, and is a
scarce bird throughout the sub-continent except in Upper
Rhodesia and the northern territories of Bechuanaland and
German South-West Africa. It is unfortunately much
persecuted on the Nile on account of the lovely fluffy under-
tail coverts.
The head, neck and centre of breast are devoid of feathers,
the colour of the back is black, and the under-parts are white.
Length, about 40 inches. The bird will, however, be easily
recognised from the excellent portrait, taken by Dr. L.
Gough of the Transvaal Museum, reproduced herein.
CHAPTER II
FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
LOCUST BIRDS
First on the list of useful birds inhabiting South Africa
come the five species of Locust Birds belonging to three
widely divergent ornithological groups. They are protected
by law in the Transvaal.
The true Locust Bird, or Klein Springhaan Vogel, as the
Boers call it, is the celebrated Wattled Starling (Creatophora
carunculata). These birds belong to the Starling family
(Sturnide), and follow the swarms of locusts in flocks,
nesting in the vicinity of locust hatcheries and feeding
themselves and their young on the young locusts, or voet-
gangers (walkers), as the wingless immature insects are
called.
During the month of December, 1895, a flock of these birds
visited the Albany Division, Cape Colony, and nested close
to the Chumie River, near Koonayp, Mr. Ivy informs me.
There were a few single nests—these in each case measured
about 2 feet by 1 foot in size—but for the most part the
nests were grouped together in threes and fours in single
trees. Some small thorn-trees were literally enveloped in
three or four nests. There were about fifty or sixty nests
within a radius of almost as many yards ; within this space
there was hardly a tree that had not at least one nest.
LOCUST BIRDS 11
Beyond the clump selected by the birds as a nesting site
there were no isolated nests, although the trees extended all
round. All the nests examined—about twenty—had two
Fie. 4.—Wattled or Locust Starling at nest.
apertures, both on the same side. On January 20, 1906,
the birds suddenly departed, leaving a few half-fledged
young, and some eggs to perish and decay.
12 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
None of the local farmers could remember having seen
these birds in the breeding season there before, although
during the winter months the Wattled Starling may be
found in small numbers throughout the Eastern Districts,
flying in company with the ordinary Spreeuw (S‘preo bicolor).
The Wattled Starling is of a pale drab colour, with the
wing and tail feathers black. The head of the male is
adorned with a wattle or two on the crown, and a lappet
depending from the throat. They lay four or five eggs
of a bluish-white colour, sometimes, though rarely, speckled
with black.
The next two species which are also known by the ver-
nacular name of Small Locust Bird, are the two Pratincoles
(Glareola pratincola and G. melanoptera).
They are brown in coloration, with a sandy-buff throat,
margined by a black ring, and white belly. The axillaries
and under-wing coverts are chestnut in pratincola, whereas
these regions in melanoptera are black. Length, 102 inches.
The Black-winged species, the commoner and _ better
known bird, is a migrant from Western Siberia and South-
west Russia, where it breeds, arriving in South Africa
during September to November, and leaving again about
the end of March.
These birds have very long wings, and consequently
excellent powers of flight. To see a flock at work on a locust-
swarm is one of the most interesting of sights. In January,
1906, at Brandfort, Orange Free State, a large flock of
these birds were busy making a morning meal off a swarm
of locusts. The sun had not yet warmed the insects up to
a proper degree of activity, and the birds had in consequence
a fairly easy time of it. Flying in a crescent-shaped flock,
they would bear down on the locusts and sweep over them
with the effect of putting them on the wing. As soon as
LOCUST BIRDS 13
this was accomplished and the insects were about 2 or 3
feet from the ground, the flock of birds wheeled with the
rapidity of thought, the outer edges of the crescent con-
verging to the centre, and enclosing the insects in a living
circle. The startled locusts, in their half lethargic condition,
immediately settled again amidst a perfect hail of dropping
wings, and the birds would repeat the manceuvre.
Dr. Stark describes similar methods employed by the
Wattled Starling in mid-air, differing slightly in the detail
of the attack.
In the Central Transvaal we have noticed that the Pratin-
cole is exceedingly partial to flying ants, hawking them on
the wing after a rain, when these insects usually appear in
large numbers. The Bird’s evolutions in mid-air are
exceedingly graceful to watch.
Mr. Millar records having found a colony of the Red-
wing Pratincole breeding in an old land in Natal.
The fourth species of Locust Bird is vastly different from
the three preceding species, being a Stork—the White Stork
of Europe (the Stork of German ‘“ baby ”’ fame)—Ciconia
ciconia of science. It is also a summer migrant to South
Africa, and is irregularly distributed over the country,
being more or less dependent on the swarms of locusts
which it follows. Within the last two or three years some
score of birds with a metal ring on the leg, bearing a number
and the name of the institution that placed it there, have
been shot, or picked up dead, in South Africa, which proves
conclusively that birds hatched in North Germany wander
as far south as Basutoland and Cape Colony. We have also
noticed during the last winter or two that a few storks have
wintered over in South Africa, and others have reported
the same from various parts of the country. It breeds
chiefly in Holland and Germany.
14 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
It is a white bird with black wings, a long red bill, and
long red legs. Length, about 45 inches.
The last of the “‘ Locust ” Birds is the White-bellied Stork
(Abdimia abdimit), a slightly glossy black bird with a white
back and white underparts. Length, about 80 inches. It is
also a follower of the locust swarms, and breeds in Northern
Africa.
There is no over-estimating the good all these birds do
in devouring large numbers of that terrible scourge to South
African agriculture, which according to the locust officer
of the Transvaal, has resulted in ever-diminishing numbers
of this pest.
BUNTINGS
Starting with the Passeres, the Buntings are our next
group of friends.
The Cape Bunting (Fringillaria capensis), or Streep kopje
(striped head) as the Boers term it, is a tame and confiding
little bird, living amongst the rocky kopjes on the veldt
or on stony ridges in the vicinity of dwellings, where it creeps
about amongst the crannies looking for the insects which
form its staple diet.
They are rare in Albany, but are more plentiful at Craddock
and the Orange Free State ; in the latter country we took
many nests, some as late as March. They build a cup-
shaped nest in a low bush under a rock and Jay three or four
pale greenish eggs thickly marked with yellow and red-brown
blotches and spots.
The Bird is of a brownish tint, streaked with black above,
and whitish below. The sides of the head are ornamented with
four alternate black and white streaks from which it derives
its Dutch name. Length, 6 inches; wing, 33 inches.
The smaller Rock Bunting (F. tahapist) is also rare in
WAGTAILS 15
Albany, but is fairly common in the Orange Free State
and parts of the Transvaal, notably, at Irene, near Pretoria.
One clutch of eggs was taken at Bluekrantz, near Grahams-
town, and several clutches in the Orange Free State.
In each cage the nest was placed in a hollow in the ground
beneath a stone on a rocky hillside; it was cup-shaped,
lined with fine fibre and hair, and contained three eggs, each
of a greenish-white ground colour, spotted and blotched with
purplish-brown and lavender. This species is redder in
tone and has a darker head than the Cape Bunting. It is
also smaller. Length, 5} inches ; wing, 3 inches.
WAGTAILS
The next family takes us to our confiding little friends
the Wagtails (Motacilla), locally called ‘‘ Quickies’ or
“ Quickstertjes,’’ of which South Africa possesses seven
species.
Taking them in order of classification, we have first the
African Pied Wagtail (IM. vidua) which is easily recognisable
anywhere by its jet black and pure white plumage. It is
distributed over the greater part of Africa, south of the
great desert, extending northwards into Egypt and Palestine.
Its eggs are larger than those of the Cape Wagtail.
The Grey-backed Wagtail (M. longicauda) is blue-grey
above, the wing-feathers are black and white and the under-
parts white with a black band on the lower throat. The
tail is rather longer than that of any of the other species,
measuring about 4 inches. It is not a common bird, and is
very local in its distribution. Near Grahamstown it has
been found bréeding, and we subjoin a photograph of a young
bird inits nest. Its eggs are grey mottled with brown.
The Cape Wagtail (M. capensis) is the common species
16 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
of South Africa. It is abundant in the Cape Colony, Upper
Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal, becoming scarce
in Rhodesia and German South-West Africa. The confiding
Fig. 5.—Young Long-tailed Wagtail in nest.
little Quickstertje, in its soft grey coat, is too well iaown
to need any description whatever.
It is a familiar figure in the neighbourhood of any farm-
WAGTAILS 17
Fia. 6.—Cape Wagtail settling on its eggs.
18 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
house and along watercourses, where it usually nests under
a tuft of grass on the edge of the bank or on a ledge in the
bank itself. We have also found the nest situated on willow
stumps and in creepers growing on the side of a house. It
builds a cup-shaped nest of grass lined with twine, wool,
&c. ; itis often exteriorly of an untidy appearance, but inside
neat and cozy. The Cape Wagtail lays three eggs of a buffish
tinge thickly marked with pale brown. When incubated
the mottlings often become obscure, giving the egg a general
brownish tinge.
Ray’s Yellow Wagtail (M. campestris) is a rare migrant
from Europe, breeding in the British Islands and Southern
Russia. We saw a single specimen on the Jokeskei River
north of Johannesburg, in December, 1905.
The Blue-headed Wagtail (M. flava) is olive-yellow above
and bright yellow below, with a blue-grey head. It is also
a migrant from Hurope and Asia, ranging as far south as
Natal, Transvaal and Damaraland.
The Black-headed Wagtail (M. melanocephala) is another
European bird, but has only been once recorded from South
Africa—by Ayres, from the Transvaal.
The Wagtails are true friends of the farmer, being almost
exclusively insect feeders, accounting for large numbers of
plant-bugs and lice, mosquitoes, caterpillars, &c.
SUGAR-BIRDS
The Sugar-Birds (Promeropide), called Zuiker-vogels by
the Boers—a name shared by the Sunbirds—are also real
friends of the farmer, for although subsisting largely on
SUGAR-BIRDS 19
nectar sucked from the flowers of protea bushes and other
blooms, they feed extensively on various insects. They are
amongst the few winter breeders in South Africa, nesting
Fia. 7.—Cape Long-tailed Sugar-Bird at nest. (The nest, with egg
just visible, is near the lower left-hand corner.)
from May to July. The nest is a deep cup of twigs, dry
grass and roots, lined with pine-needles and downy seed-
20 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
heads. It is generally placed in a protea bush or bunch of
heath, and usually contains two eggs, which vary from a very
pale to reddish-brown ground colour, and are sometimes
marked with pencillings and blotches of blackish, and
sometimes of brown.
The Cape Sugar-Bird (Promerops cafer) is of a sombre
brown colour, with the vent and under tail-coverts bright
yellow. The males sport long curved tail-feathers. Length
of male about 18 inches, whereof the tail is 11 inches ; female
94 inches. This species is confined to the Cape Colony.
The nest—a rare one in the Hastern Cape districts during
recent years—can be seen low down on the left of the picture,
and is rather indistinct.
The second species is a scarcer bird, and does not extend
to the Cape, being only a winter visitor to Natal. It is
called the Natal Sugar-Bird (P. gurneyt), and has a shorter
tail than the Cape species. Length only 11 inches, tail 63
inches. The feathers of the forehead and crown are of a
deep chestnut-red, with pale shaft markings, whereas these
regions in the Cape species are buff-brown.
SUNBIRDS
The Sunbirds are all friends of the agriculturist, but owing
to their architectural skill in nest building we will include
them under a more special heading.
TIT-BABBLERS
Of the Tit-babblers (Parisoma), the little Red-vented
species (P. subcwruleum) is perhaps the best known bird
in its grey and white plumage, streaked throat, and chest-
nut-red vent and under tail-coverts. It is not uncommon
WARBLERS—THRUSHES 21.
in Albany Division, Cape Colony, and at Irene and Aapies
River, Pretoria District, Transvaal. The Red-vented Tit-
babbler builds a cup-shaped nest of rootlets and twigs lined
with finer material, fibre, hair, &c., and lays three eggs of
a white ground colour blotched with light and dark sepia-
coloured markings. It is a neat, active little bird and a
true friend of the agriculturist, existing almost exclusively
upon insects.
WARBLERS
The Warblers (Sylvuiide) are a large group of more or less
dull-coloured little birds, and difficult of correct identification.
They are also true friends of the farmer, but the few species
we will treat of will be referred to in other chapters.
THRUSHES
The family of Thrushes, Chats, &c. (Turdide), is a large
one, and South Africa possesses a number of useful species,
including amongst them some of our best known birds.
First in order of classification comes the Ground-scraper
Thrush (Turdus litsipsiruga), a biid with a yale brow
back, and whitish under-parts sprinkled with large pear-
shaped spots of black. Length, 8} inches. This bird is
scarce and local in some regions, although we found it not
uncommon on the Modder River, Orange Free State,
and also along the Crocodile River in the Pretoria Bushveld.
It is fairly common in German South-West Africa. Major
Sparrow describes the egg as of a pale blue ground colour.
speckled with light and dark brown. It lays during the
months of September to November.
The best known species of Thrushes in this country are
the Cape Thrush (T. oliwvaceus) and its ‘“ up-country ”
representative, the Orange-billed Thrush (7. cabanist). They
22 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
are of a general slatey-olive tint on the back ; whitish throat
streaked with rufous and black; sides of body and belly
orange-rufous ; length about 93 inches. The main difference
between the two species are as follows: The flanks, which
in olivaceus are orange-chestnut, are brown in cabanisi; the
bill of the latter bird is wholly of a yellowish-orange colour,
while that of olivaceus has the upper mandible of a dusky
olive-green. The Cape Thrush ranges from Cape Colony
through Natal to Zululand, while its place is taken in the
Orange Free State, Transvaal and Bechuanaland by the
Orange-billed species.
The Kurrichaine Thrush (7. libonianus) is somewhat
similar to the two preceding species, differing mainly in
having the centre of the belly white and the bill bright
orange-red. Length, 8} inches. W. L. Sclater says this is
the commonest form of Thrush between the Orange and
Zambesi Rivers.
All three birds lay from three to five bluish-green eggs
speckled and blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish-
brown. They build large cup-shaped nests of twigs and
roots situated generally in a thick bush or tree. They feed
largely on insect life, thus being useful birds, but are not
above devouring a little fruit occasionally.
Two fairly common birds in the district of Grahamstown
are the Cape Rock Thrush (Monticola rupestris) and the
Sentinel Rock Thrush (M. explorator). Both are of a
reddish-brown colour above and chestnut-red below, the
Cape Rock Thrush differing from its congener in having
only the head and neck of a slatey-blue colour, whereas
this coloration is continued on to the back in the case of the
“Sentinel.” In addition, the latter is a smaller bird, being
7} inches in length against 9 inches for the former species.
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24 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
The young birds and the females have the head and adjacent
regions coloured like the back.
Both these birds lay eggs of a very pale blue ground
colour (almost white), sparsely speckled with pale rusty-
brown, those of the Sentinel Rock Thrush being smaller
than those of its larger congener.
The nest is a saucer-shaped structure of sticks and roots,
lined with fine rootlets and hair, and is usually situated
in a hole or crevice, or on a ledge under a rock.
They have a loud, lively song, and are chiefly insect-feeders,
devouring large numbers of beetles, ants, plant-bugs, &c.,
varied by a few fruits and seeds.
One other fairly common species may be noted, the
Short-toed Rock Thrush (M. brevipes), from the Western
region, ranging from Upington on the Orange River to
Southern Damaraland and the Transvaal. It resembles
M. explorator, but has a shorter toe. Little is known of
its habits.
CHATS
A very familiar bird is the Ant-eating Chat (Myrme-
cocichla formicwora), in its sombre plumage of sooty-brown,
and conspicuous white wing patches as it flutters in the air
with its feeble flight. It measures about 62 inches in length.
It is fairly common throughout, although rather locally
distributed in some parts. It is commonest on stretches
of veld covered with ant-heaps, where it may be seen every-
where perched on the “hills” or at the entrance to some
meercat or aardvark (antbear) burrow.
The nest is usually in a hole in a burrow or in an excava-
tion in an ant-heap, and the eggs are pure white, usually
numbering three or four.
The Buff-streaked Chat (M. bifasciata) is a handsome
CHATS 25
Fia. 9.—South African Stone Chat, male, female, nest and eggs.
26 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
bird with the top of the head black, forehead and a long
eyebrow bufi-white; wings, tail, sides of face and neck,
and throat black; rest of under-surface and rump region
buff. The female is a much duller bird, bemg more or less
of a general brownish-buff tint. Length, 7 inches.
It is fairly common from the Eastern Cape Colony to the
Transvaal. At Grahamstown, Cape Colony and Bloem-
fontein, Orange Free State, it is fairly common, presenting
# conspicuous appearance as it sits on a rock and warbles
its loud, lively song.
It is fond of rocky localities, building its nest under an
overhanging rock, or in a rat’s hole, and laying three or
four eggs of a pale blue-green speckled with red-brown.
They feed on insects of various kinds.
Another familiar insect-eating species known throughout
the country is the little Bontrockie (Parti-coloured Coat),
as the Boers term it, the Stone Chat (Pratincola torquata).
The male in summer is black above except the rump regions,
which are white, chestnut and white below, the black feathers
takirig a rufous edging during the winter months. The
female is browner and more sombrely plumaged. Length,
about 5% inches.
The Bontrockie may be found flittimg about the banks
of a spruit (stream), or perching on the ant-heaps and stones
of the open veld some distance from water.
It usually nests under a tuft of grass growing on the
edge of a bank, generally overhanging water; but some-
times under a tuft of herbage on a slope some distance
from the water. The eggs are usually three in number and
of a pale greenish tinge blotched with pale rusty-brown.
The genus Sazicola containing some well-known birds is
a large one.
CHATS 27
The Mountain Chat (S. monticola) is chiefly remarkable
for the puzzling phases of plumage through which the male
passes—from brownish-black with the rump regions and
the basal portion of the tail-feathers, except the two centre
ones, white (this is the plumage of the female throughout)
to grey, and greyish-white with white shoulders. Length,
8 inches.
It is a common bird in the dryer portions of South Africa,
from the Middle and Western Cape Colony northwards.
It is a lover of rocky localities, being found in the dreariest
of places.
It nests under rocks or on a ledge of a bank, and lays
pale blue-green eggs which are sometimes plain and sometimes
speckled with reddish-purple.
The. Capped Wheatear (S. pileata) is the Schaap-wachter
(Shepherd) of the Dutch. It resembles the Buff-streaked
Chat at first sight, but can easily be recognised by its rufous-
brown back and broad black chest-band. Length, 64
inches. :
It is a tame, confiding bird and is fond of the neighbour-
hood of buildings and kraals. It differs from the Buff-
streaked Chat in habits in preferring flat open stretches to
more mountainous regions. It builds a flat, saucer-shaped
nest of hair and grass in a hole, and lays eggs of a pale greeny-
white colour.
This is a fairly common bird in the Brandfort and Spring-
fontein districts, Orange Free State.
The Familiar Chat (S. familiaris), the Spekvreter (Bacon-
eater) of the Boers, is reddish-brown above, and buffish
below. It is fairly well distributed throughout South
Africa, and seems to prefer the neighbourhood of farm-
houses and cattle-kraals, eating bacon and fat from the
28 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
kitchen table, or grease from the wagon-wheels, whence its
somewhat absurd Dutchname. It builds a nest of grass, wool
and hair, under a stone or in a hole in a wall, during the
months of November and December and lays three eggs of a.
bright blue, speckled in the form of a zone round the blunt
end, with rusty-brown.
Fie. 10.—Sickle-wing Chat on nest.
The Sickle-winged Chat (Emarginata sinuata) is brown
above, shading into chestnut on the rump, and grey below,
tinged with brown on the chest. It can easily be dis-
tinguished from the Familiar Chat, which it rather closely
resembles, by the sickle-shape narrowing of the first primary
CHATS 29
(i.e. the first long wing-feather), and its smaller size being
54 inches long to the other’s 6} inches. This bird is called
the “ Dagbreker’” by the Boers (meaning Daybreaker), a
name which is, however, also applied to the Familiar Chat
in certain districts.
It is found in Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Bechu-
analand and the Transvaal. It is not uncommon in the
Springfontein and Bloemfontein districts of the Orange
Free State.
It nests under a rock or stone, occasionally in a wall or
under a tussock of grass.
At Springfontein, where the Boers call both this bird and
the Familiar Chat the ‘“ Dagbreker,” we found the latter’
bird nesting in-holes in walls, banks, outbuildings, &c.,
whereas the Sickle-wing was only found in the cultivated
land and on the “‘ flats’ of the veld, where it nests either
in an ant-heap or under a bush or tuft of grass. The nest
is rather a deep cup, of dried weed-stalk and small twigs,
lined with fibre and hair. The nest in the photograph was
situated under a wild “‘ Forget-me-not”’ on level ground
and contained three eggs; on the same flat was another
nest containing young, also under a weed. The eggs are
usually three in number and of a light bluish-green colour,
sparsely freckled on the blunt end with greyish-buff.
The White-shouldered Bush Chat (Thamnolea cinna-
momewwentris) is glossy blue-black above and below, except-
ing the shoulders, which are adorned with a conspicuous
white patch, and the rump region, abdomen and flanks,
which are chestnut. A whitish bar separates the black
of the breast from the chestnut. Length, 82 inches.
It is fairly common on the krantzes in the Grahams-
town kloofs, where it usually lays im old Swallows’ nests.
Three eggs of a bluish-white ground spotted and dotted
Photo. A. D. Millar.
Fia. 11.—Nest of Cape Flycatcher.
FLYCATCHERS 31
with lavender-grey and yellowish-brown are deposited. It
feeds largely upon ants, flies and grasshoppers.
Ié is found in Upper Natal, and we met with it at Orange
Grove, just outside of Johannesburg (north).
We will deal with the Robin Chats under another chapter.
FLYCATCHERS
The Flycatchers (Family Musicapide) may all be in-
cluded amongst the truest friends of the agriculturist and
are also dwellers of forest and bush.
The Dusky Flycatcher (Alseonaz adusta) is an ashy-
brown little bird with a white eyebrow, and is common in
the wooded belts of the South-Eastern portion of South
Africa. Length, 44 inches.
Tt builds a neat little cup-shaped nest covered on the
outside with lichen, generally situated in a cavity or ledge
on the face of a rocky krantz overshadowed by trees ;
sometimes in a hollow in the bark of a tree trunk. In
the neighbourhood of Grahamstown this bird has taken to
building in the fork of a pine-tree or on the top of a bundle
of débris (pine-needles, &c.) between the branches. It lays
three or four eggs of a greenish colour freckled with brown
and red-brown, during the months of September to December,
On one occasion when encamped with Dr. Stark in a Kloof,
a little Dusky Flycatcher was seated on its nest in a tiny
niche in the face of a rock a foot or so from the doctor’s
head, and although it was the first nest of this species he had
seen, needless to say the confiding little bird was left in
peace.
The Cape Flycatcher (Batis capensis) has the top of the
head blue-grey, back olive-brown, tail-feathers black tipped
with white; below white with a broad black band across
32 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
the chest, and the sides of the body orange-rufous. The
female has no black band on the chest, the whole of the under-
parts being a dark orange chestnut. Length, 54 inches.
The bird is a lover of thickly wooded country, and is
particularly fond of the kloofs, where it builds. a shallow
cup-shaped nest of grass and other material, lined internally
with fibre and hair and covered externally with lichen.
The eggs are pale greenish-white spotted with pale brown
and marked with a ring of purplish-brown blotches on the
obtuse end.
The White-flanked Flycatcher (B. moltior), both male
and female, have the flanks white, mottled with black instead
of orange-rufous, the female otherwise resembling that of
the. foregoing species.
This bird arrives in the neighbourhood of Grahamstown
about the middle of October, when its sweet simple call of
three notes in a descending scale may be heard among the
mimosa bushes, which it largely affects. In fact, it seems
to prefer the more open mimosa scrub to the kloofs.
Its nest resembles that of the Cape Flycatcher, and is
generally saddled on a lichen-covered bough of a mimosa,
and is a most beautiful example of assimilative art. Its
eggs are pale green, thickly spotted with brown of various
shades.
The Pririt Flycatcher (B. pririt) closely resembles the
White-flanked Flycatcher, the male differing in having the
outer tail-feathers black on the outer web, these being only
tipped with white; and the female in having the throat
and chest suffused with pale orange rufous.
It ranges from Cape Town eastwards to Colesberg and
Grahamstown.
A pair found breeding in January at Blue Krantz, in
FLYCATCHERS 33
Fic. 12.—White-flanked Flycatcher, with nest and egg.
34 | FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
the Albany Division, had constructed a nest much like those
usually built by its congeners, and laid three eggs of a light
blue-green, spotted all over with brown and lavender, the
spots being more profuse on the blunt end, forming a fairly
well-marked zone.
The Paradise Flycatcher (T'chttrea’ perspicillata) is of a
Fig. 13.—Female Paradise Flycatcher on nest.
bright chestnut colour above with the crested head, throat
and sides of neck steel-green; under-surface slatey-grey,
excepting the under tail-coverts, which are white. The
male is adorned with a long and graceful tail. Length of
male about 14 or 15 inches; female, 7 inches. From the
Central Transvaal northwards this species is replaced by the
CUCKOO-SHRIKES 35
closely allied Lead-headed Flycatcher (I. plumbeiceps), dis-
tinguished by its plain grey head, with hardly any gloss.
Both species are denizens of forest and bush country.
At Ivene we found them frequenting a thick grove of
shady willow trees and poplars growing in the vicinity of
the Hennops River ; they may often be seen darting at some
unsuspecting insect or flitting from one tree to another with
a leisurely, graceful flight.
The Paradise Flycatcher is very common in the Grahams-
town Kloofs, building a neat little cup-shaped nest of grass
and fibres covered on the outside with lichen and moss,
which is generally fixed near the end of a branch overhanging
a pool or rill.
The sitting female will allow one to approach to within
3 feet of her nest, and indeed it would even be possible in
some cases to catch her with the hand.
The Paradise Flycatcher lays three pretty cream-coloured
eggs, spotted with pinkish-brown, with sometimes a few
additional blotches of purplish.
The Spotted Flycatcher (Musicapa grisola) is brown above,
the feathers of the top of the head with dark centres, giving:
this region a mottled appearance. Cheeks and a ring round
the eye whitish. Under-parts white, the breast and sides being
streaked with brown. Length, about 6 inches. This is a
European bird, which migrates to India and South Africa,
arriving here about the middle of October and leaving us
in April. The Pretoria: Zoo. generally contains a good
number in the latter month when they are on their way
home.
CUCKOO-SHRIKES
The Cuckoo-Shrikes (Family Campophagide) are birds of
somewhat retiring habits.
Fic. 15.—Female Black Cuckoo-Shrike on nest.
HOOPOES 37
There are two species found in South Africa, the Black
Cuckoo-Shrike (C. nigra) and the Yellow-shouldered Shrike
(C. hartlaubt). The male of the former is entirely glossy
black, the latter has a lemon-yellow shoulder patch. The
females of both birds are of a greyish colour, barred with
black, the feathers of the wings and tail being edged and
tipped with yellow. Length, 84 to 9 inches.
These birds are inhabitants of most of the forest and
bush regions of South Africa, where they construct a small,
shallow, saucer-like nest of fine twigs and ptylandsia covered
on the exterior surface with grey lichen. The nest is saddled
on a lichen-covered bough, which renders it extremely
difficult of detection. The lining of those found by us was
composed entirely of ptylandsia.
The eggs invariably number two, those of the Black
Cuckoo-Shrike being of a light greenish-blue slightly tinged
with yellow, spotted with lavender and purple of a dark
shade; while those of the Yellow-shouldered species are
light greenish-buff, spotted with blackish and blotched with
dark and light lavender.
The Grey Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina ceesius) is of a general
dark bluish-grey colour, with a broad black mark between
the bill and the eye. Length, 104 inches. It frequents the
topmost branches of high forest trees.
The Cuckoo-Shrikes are very useful birds, feeding on
caterpillars, locusts and other insect pests, and should be
protected as much as possible, as they are not particularly
plentiful.
HOOPOES
The South African Hoopoe (Upupa africana) is a well-
known bird in its brick-red plumage, black and white wings
and fan-like crest, which it raises and depresses at will.
38 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Tt ig fairly generally distributed throughout the sub--
continent, being a “partial migrant ’—appearing and
disappearing from a district at intervals.
lts cry of poop poop is a familiar one in the mimosa scrub,
which is its favourite haunt. It affects orchards and gardens
as well, where it does yeoman service in clearing off beetles,
grasshoppers, grubs, &c.
Fic. 16.—South African Hoopoe near nest hole in ant-heap.
In the Hastern Cape Colony it breeds during October
and November, but later in the Transvaal. We have taken
full clutches of eggs in November, December, and even in
February.
Tt nests in holes in trees, or, more frequently, in
39
HOOPOES
Fic. 17.—Wood Hoopoe at nest.
40 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
ant-heaps, in holes excavated by an ant-bear in search of
its food.
The eggs are very pale blue when first laid, but become
a dirty pale brownish-colour when addled; from three to
five are laid.
Fic. 18.—South African Hoopoe.
The Wood Hoopoes (Irrisoride) are represented in South
Africa by two well-marked species, the first of which is the
Red-billed Wood Hoopoe or Kakelaar (Chatterer), as the
Boers call it (Irrisor viridis of science). In Grahamstown
it is often called the Monkey-bird, probably also on account
of its chattering, noisy habits.
SWIFTS 4]
It is easily recognised by its steel-green and dark-blue
plumage, strongly graduated tail with white spots on the
feathers (excepting the two centre), black belly and red bill.
It is found from Knysna in Cape Colony, eastwards
through Natal to Zululand, the Transvaal, Rhodesia,
Bechuanaland and German South-West Africa.
It is essentially a forest-loving species; it may be seen
hunting for insects in small parties of four to twelve indi-
viduals. Their chattering propensities are well known, and
the noise a party of them create as they take wing when
disturbed, is nothing short of deafening.
This bird nests in holes in trees (usually ‘‘ commandeered ”’
from some other bird), and lays three eggs of a beautiful
greenish-blue, minutely and sparsely speckled with whitish
pin-points.
The Scimitar-bill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) is smaller
than the Kakelaar, glossy purple above and dull black
below, and has. a slender, very curved black bill.
It is only found from immediately south of the Orange
River, northwards. We discovered them in pairs along the
Modder River in the Bloemfontein District, where they may
be seen amongst the mimosas searching for the insects and
spiders which form their staple diet. Mr. Austin Roberts,
who took the eggs of this bird on the banks of the Vaal River,
near Venterskroon, informs us they were four in number
and of a beautiful verditer blue colour. He discovered them
in a hole in the trunk of a mimosa tree on November 9, 1904.
SWIFTS
The Swifts (Cypselide) are all exclusive insect-feeders.
South Africa possesses five species, two of which are oversea
migrants, one (Cypselus apus) from Europe and the other
(C. affinis) from India.
42 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
The White-bellied Swift (C. africanus) is the largest species
in South Africa, and is of a mouse-brown colour with a white
patch on the throat and another on the abdomen. Length
of bird, 8 inches.
Another well-known South African species is the White- .
rumped Swift (C. caffer), which is very much ‘smaller than
C. africanus ; it is more or less black in colour, with a white
rump, chin and throat. It measures about 64 inches in
length.
This bird usually nests in old Swallows’ nests and lays
two elongated white eggs.
NIGHTJARS
Amongst the Nightjar family (Caprimulgide), or Goat-
suckers as they are more often called (the Nachtuil—night-
owl of the Boers), we find some of the greatest insect-
destroyers.
The members of this family are all of 4 mottled drab
or brown colour and not easy of description, except by
scientifically worded diagnoses. One member is a con-
spicuous exception, this being the beautiful Standard-
winged Nightjar (Cosmetornis vexillarius), which has the
ninth primary wing-feather elongated to something like
three times the length of the bird.
It is only an inhabitant of the more tropical portions,
ranging from Zululand northwards to Mashonaland and
across to the northern parts of Damaraland; it has been
taken at Pretoria. ,
In the neighbourhood of Grahamstown we should say
the commonest species is the South African Nightjar (Capri-
mulgus pectoralis), of which we give two illustrations, both
exhibiting the wonderful assimilative (and consequently
NIGHTJ ARS 43
Fie. 19. —South African Nightjar on its eggs. (Puzzle: Find the bird !)
44 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
protective) coloration possessed by these birds. In the
large picture the bird is sitting on its eggs amongst the
débris of leaves, twigs, &c., and can be located near the
centre of the picture. Some searching will be necessary
to find the bird, even in the photograph, so the degree of
perfection to which the protective value of the plumage is
developed in the living bird can well be imagined.
The bird sits very close and still when incubating. In
the case of the photograph of the Nightjar sittimg on its
eggs, three exposures were made extending over a period
Fie. 20.—Young South African Nightjar.
of ninety minutes, as it was thought that the bird might
assume different positions, but it remained so still that no
difference can be detected in the three exposures made.
In the Central Transvaal the commonest species is the
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (C. rufigena), whose name serves
to point out the bird’s most distinguishing feature.
The European Nightjar (C. ewropeus) wends its way to
South Africa during our summer.
The Nightjars lay two eggs on the ground without any
ROLLERS 45
attempt at nest-building, consequently the protective nature
of the bird’s coloration is of great benefit to the sitting
parent.
ROLLERS
The Rollers (Family Coraciide) are chiefly remarkable for
their beautiful many-tinted plumage.
The first species is the European Roller (Coracias garrulus),
a regular visitor to Africa, migrating as far south as the
Cape. The European Roller breeds in South and Central
Europe, and is blue below and cinnamon-brown above, with
blue wings. In common with the next species it has no
elongated outer tail-feathers. It is the only species which
wanders as far south as the Cape. Length, 14 inches.
The Purple Roller (C. mosambicus) has a reddish-lilac
under-surface streaked with white. Length, 14 inches.
The beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller (C. caudatus) is green,
blue and brown, with the breast of a purplish-lilac tinge
with white shaft-streaks, and the abdomen blue. It ig
easily distinguished by the lengthened outer tail-feathers,
which are, however, not racquet-shaped at the ends like
those of the succeeding species. This bird is not uncommon
in the Transvaal bushveld. It is now protected by law in
the Transvaal Province. Length, 14 inches to tip of longest
tail-feather.
‘The Racquet-tailed Roller (C. spatulatus) is brown above
with blue wings, and cobalt-blue below. It can be im-
mediately distinguished by the expanded extremities of
the outer tail-feathers.
The Rollers are all mainly insect-feeders. They nest in
hollow trees and lay white eggs. They derive their name
46 | FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
from their curious habit of occasionally rolling or turning
over while in flight.
The Cinnamon Roller (Eurystomus afer) is cinnamon-brown
above and lilac below, with blue wings and tail. Length,
10} inches. Jt is fairly common in P. South-Hast Africa.
BEE-EATERS
The Bee-eater Family (Meropide) is perhaps a_ better
known group in South Africa, being more widely distributed
than the preceding family.
The first species is the European Bee-eater (Merops
apiaster), commonly known to the Boers as the Berg
Zwaluw (Mountain Swallow). It is of a dark chestnut on
the upper back, fading into pale cinnamon colour on the
lower back and rump. Upper and least wing-coverts and
tail green. Central tail-feathers lengthened and pointed.
Throat yellow, followed by a black band and the remainder
of the under-surface greenish-blue. Length to outer tail-
feathers about 94 inches.
It is a migrant from Southern Europe and Central Asia,
and is somewhat evenly distributed over South Africa
during our summer, being, however, scarce in the Eastern
Cape Colony. They hawk their insect prey on the wing,
being very partial to bees and wasps.
-This bird is amongst the few northern migrants which
breed in South Africa as well as in the Northern Hemisphere.
Figes were taken by Jackson, W. G. Fairbridge, and L. T.
Griffin. It lays white eggs in holes bored in the bank of a
donga or river (similar to the Kingfishers).
There is another migratory species from oversea, this
being the Blue-cheeked Bee-Eater (M. persicus) from South-
West Asia and North-West India. This species is slightly
larger than the preceding, and differs in having the upper
BEE-EATERS 47
surface of a bright green colour, the cheeks dark blue, and
the throat chestnut.
The Carmine-throated Bee-eater (M. nubicoides) may be
considered one of the loveliest of South African birds. The
top of the head is green, the centre of the back and upper
wing crimson, and the rump region bright cobalt-blue.
Below it is cherry-pink, except the abdomen and under
tail-coverts, which are cobalt-blue.
This beautiful bird is an inhabitant of the “‘ low ”’ countries,
and is never found elsewhere than in the neighbourhood of
rivers. It ranges from Rustenburg in the Transvaal north-
wards to Mashonaland and the Congo.
The following account is taken from Captain Alexander’s
article in the 1900 volume of the Ibis. He met with a large
flock of these Bee-eaters roosting amongst the reeds bordering
the Zambesi River: “... Soon a great sight met our
eyes. Shaking themselves free of the reeds these birds,
some three hundred in number, and glorious in their feathered
coats of scarlet, mounted ito the air and were soon bathed
in the last glows of a setting sun.”
The Little Bee-eater (Melittophagus meridionalis) is the
smallest member of the family. It is green above and
orange-fawn below, with a yellow chin and throat succeeded
by a narrow strip of blue, followed by a broad black band
on the chest. Length, 64 inches.
It ranges from Natal and the Transvaal northwards to
beyond the limits of South Africa. It is fairly common
at Irene, south of Pretoria, where they frequent the mimosa
scrub along the Hennops River. They may be seen sitting
on a bush or wire fence, making occasional short darts into
the air after insects.
The White-fronted Bee-eater (M. bullockoides) can be
48 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
easily recognised from the preceding species by its con-
siderably larger size, greyish-white forehead, and carmine-red
throat. Length, 9 inches.
This bird is exceedingly common along the Crocodile
River north of the ‘‘ Poort” (gate), in the Magaliesberg
Range (District Pretoria).
During our visit in December, 1905, we had evidently
pitched our camp close to a clump of trees which had been
their regular roosting-place, and the Bee-eaters were a distinct
nuisance, circling round in the gathering gloom of eventide,
uttering their harsh plaintive cries, which in their monotonous
insistence are apt to get on one’s nerves.
We observed them sitting on the trees which lined the
banks of the river, and hawking insects on the wing over the
water, after the manner of swallows.
WOODPECKERS
The Woodpeckers (Picide), being essentially insect-
feeders, are true friends of the farmer, and as such we are
glad to see they are protected in the Eastern Province of
the Cape.
They lay white eggs in holes in trees bored by themselves,
excepting a solitary instance, the Ground Woodpecker (or,
more strictly speaking, “‘ Ground Pecker ”’) which excavates
a hole in the bank of a river, donga or cutting. We give
an illustration of one clinging to the entrance of its sub-
terranean abode. This photo was taken in the vicinity of
Carlisle Bridge, Fish River, in the District of Albany. The
nest hole contained three young birds about two weeks old.
In the neighbourhood of Grahamstown the bird is plentiful
on a rocky hillside just outside the precincts of the town off
the road to Featherstone Valley, where its weird whistling
sereech can be heard in the evenings.
WOODPECKERS 49
Fie. 21.—Ground Woodpecker at entrance to nest hole.
BE
FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
aa
a
Lae N\
By
Fra. 22.—Olive Woodpecker at nest hole.
WOODPECKERS 51
Its tunnel usually runs straight into the bank for about
two feet, then turns to the right or left and ends in a dome-
shaped cavity about 6 inches in height. The bird usually
chooses a point in the bank about a foot or 18 inches below
203
Fic. 23.—Knysna Woodpecker.
the top, where the soil is moist from surface drainage and
consequently easier to excavate.
The Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus) is olive-
brown above, narrowly barred with white; rump, throat
and breast washed with crimson ; remainder of under-parts
resembling the back. Length, about 114 inches.
52 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
The Knysna Woodpecker (Campothera notata) has the top
of the head crimson, back olive-green ; below pale yellow
thickly spotted with black. Length, 84 inches. This bird
seems to be confined to the Cape and Natal.
The Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicus cardinalis) is the
commonest and most widely distributed of the South African
Woodpeckers. Hinder portion of crown crimson; back
olive-brown barred with white ; below greyish streaked on
the breast and barred on the flanks with black. We have
collected specimens at Port Alfred, Grahamstown and
Uitenhage, in the Cape Colony, Brandfort and Modder River
in the Orange Free State, Irene, Modderfontein, near
Johannesburg, and the Aapies River (Waterval North) in
the Transvaal. Myr. Harry Neethling records it from Parys,
Orange Free State.
It is a tamer bird than most of the other species, and we
have frequently watched one, at a distance of only a few
yards, creeping up tree trunks with great celerity, indus-
triously searching for insects. Length, 6 inches.
The Olive Woodpecker (Mesopicus griseocephalus) is fairly
common in the Eastern Province of the Cape, its habits not
differing materially from those of the preceding species.
It is of a plain golden-olive above, top of the head,
rump and upper tail-coverts red, throat slatey. Length,
84 inches.
The South African Wryneck (Iynz ruficollis) is of a general
speckled brown colour; chin, throat and upper breast
chestnut.
This bird is not common, and was formerly popularly
supposed to be a migrant, but we have procured specimens
during winter and summer.
BARBETS 53
The tail of this bird does not resemble those of the Wood-
peckers, but is soft and pliable like those of the Passerine
birds. Length, 7 inches.
~ Fie. 24.—South African Wryneck.
The Wryneck nests in holes in trees, laying elongated
white eggs.
BARBETS
The members of the family Capitonide have stout and
strong bills, thereby differing from the Woodpeckers, which
have a longer, thinner type of beak.
They hew holes in trees and lay white eggs like the Wood-
peckers, but have not stiff and spiny-like tail-feathers.
The Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus) is’ perhaps
the largest member of the family. It is brown above with
fine yellow speckles ; head and throat scarlet ; back of head,
a collar round the neck, and upper breast black. Below,
yellow marked with greyish-black blotches and streaks.
Length, 74 inches.
54 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Tis range extends from Grahamstown (where it is not
uncommon) to the Zambesi Valley.
Although an insect-feeder it will occasionally eat fruit.
We took its eggs in the neighbourhood of Grahamstown and
at Modderfontein, Transvaal. ;
Fig. 25.—Black-collared Barbet at nest hole.
The commonest of the South African species is the Pied
Barbet (Tricholama leucomelan), which is also pretty generally
distributed excepting in Mashonaland and Natal.
It is smaller than the preceding bird, has the crown red
and the plumage black spotted with yellow; throat black
and rest of under-surface whitish. This bird has a con-
spicuous eyebrow and a black streak through the eye,
BARBETS 55
below which is a broad white stripe. Length, 6} to
. 64 inches. :
It is exceedingly common at Aliwal North, Cape Colony,
where it frequents the gardens and scrub on the banks of the
Orange and Kraai Rivers. We also found this bird not un-
common in the Albany kloofs and along the Modder River
in the Orange Free State. At Brandfort, Orange Free
State and the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory they are
quite common amongst the mimosa scrub where their harsh
cry—something like the blare of a toy trumpet—may be
heard at almost any time of the day.
They breed in holes excavated by themselves in soft or
decaying wood—a favourite site being a moderately thick
mimosa bough. :
The little Cape Tinker Bird (Barbatula pusilla) is fairly
common around Grahamstown. Its yellow and black plumage
with scarlet forehead, in addition to its small size—length, 53
inches—is enough to distinguish it from the Barbets. Its
range is restricted to the Eastern Cape Colony, Natal and
Zululand.
The Tinker Bird also breeds in a hollow excavated in a
decaying bough. In the vicinity of Grahamstown, the
vertical bough of a euphorbia is a favourite locality.
The Yellow-fronted Tinker Bird (B. extont) replaces the
above species in the Transvaal ; we found it not uncommon
along the Crocodile River in the Bushveld north of the
Magaliesberg (Pretoria District).
It differs from the Southern variety in the possession of an
orange-yellow forehead in place of the red one characteristic
of pusilla.
The Tinker Birds derive their name from their loud metallic
call. They feed chiefly on insects, varied by a diet of berries
and wild fruit.
56 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Fia. 26.—Cape Tinker Bird at nest hole.
COUCALS 57
The Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus cafer) has a black crest
and ared rump. The mottled yellow and black plumage is
also suffused with red on the sides of the face and lower breast.
Length, 74 to 8 inches.
It is not uncommon in the region on the Crocodile River
mentioned above, and appears to be fairly common through-
out the Bushveld, and their habits do not differ from those
of other Barbets.
COUCALS
The Coucals (Centropodine) form a sub-family of the
Culculidee, but differ in several structural characters, besides
the important fact that whereas the latter are birds parasitic
upon other birds, the Coucals build their own nests and
incubate their own eggs.
There are seven species in South Africa, only four of
which need concern us here. Two of these are the closely
allied Black-headed Coucal (Centropus burchelli), and the
White-browed Coucal (C. superciliosus). Both birds are
called the ‘‘ Vlei Lourie ’’ by the Boers.
Both are rufous-brown above; the tail greenish-black
narrowly tipped with white (this is not always apparent in
worn specimens) ; below buff-white. Burchells has a glossy
black head, with sometimes a few white feathers in front of
the eye, forming the commencement of an eyebrow; there
are generally a few white shaft streaks on the neck. Super-
ciliosus has a dull brown head with a distinct whitish eye-
brow ; the nape, upper back and sides of neck are profusely
streaked with white shaft lines, many of the feathers being
also edged with black. Length, about 14% to 16 inches.
Professor Reichenow does not include South Africa within
the geographical range of the White-browed Coucal, treating
this bird as a Tropical species, but we think the evidence of
FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Fic. 27.—White-browed Coucal at nest.
COUCALS 59
its occurrence in South African territory sufficient to warrant
its inclusion in the South African list.
Mr. Sclater (“Fauna of South Africa: Birds,” vol. iit.)
says that an example in the South African Museum from
Swellendam agrees in every respect with another from
Mombasa in British East Africa. Dr. Gunning has recently
kindly permitted me to examine the fine series of skins of
Centropus burchellt and C. superciliosus in the Transvaal
Museum, and we have no hesitation in including the latter
bird m the avifauna of the sub-continent.
Both birds have much the same geographical range, being
found throughout the country in most of the Bush regions.
The Vlei Louries—as the name implies—are fond of
hunting the bush along rivers and vleis, where they may be
found singly or in pairs creeping about on the ground among
the undergrowth. They live principally upon locusts, cater-
pillars and other insects, thus rendering good service to the
farming community. They have a characteristic cry of coo
coo coo coo coo which sounds somewhat ventriloquial.
The nest is domed, with an opening on one side, and is
constructed of sticks; it is usually placed in a thick bush
not far from the ground. The eggs, three to five in number,
are rather rounded in shape and pure white in colour. We
give an illustration of C. swperctliosus at its nest, originally
published in the Ibis for 1901 and wrongly ascribed to
burchellt. The distinct eyebrow characteristic of the former
is very plainly seen in the photograph.
The Black-breasted Coucal (Centropus grilli), called by
Mr. W. L. Sclater the Natal Coucal (C. nigrorufus), seems to
be not uncommon in the Lydenburg District of the Transvaal.
It ranges from Natal through the Transvaal and Rhodesia
over to the West Coast. It has the head and entire under-
parts black, thus differing materially from the preceding
60 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
species. Mr. J. C. Ingle has recently sent us a pair collected
near Pilorimsrest, Lydenburg District. It is much smaller
than C. burchells.
The Green Coucal (Ceuthmochares australis) is easily dis-
tinguishable from all the other species by its green colour.
It extends along the east coast from British East Africa to
Natal ; it is not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Durban,
whence A. D. Millar records it as breeding in November.
Length, 134 inches.
OWLS
The Owls (Order Striczs) number amongst them some
of the farmers’ most energetic friends, notwithstanding all
manner of silly superstitions attached to them, and pertina-
ceously believed in by the ignorant. They feed largely on
mice, rats, insects of various kinds and occasionally on birds.
The Striges are divided into two families, the Strigide,
containing two species of the Barn Owl type, and the Bubo-
nide, a large group containing divers forms.
The Barn Owl (Stria flammea) is a bird common to Europe’
and Asia. Professor Reichenow, however, separated the
South African bird under the name of Stria flammea
maculata. It is pearly-grey in colour, vermiculated with
darker grey and spotted with brown above; dirty white
below spotted with angular drop-shaped spots of brown.
Length, about 154 to 16 inches.
It is known to the Boers as the Dood-vogel, from a popular
belief that if one of these birds screeches on the roof of a
house one of the inmates is sure to die.
They lay two to four oval white eggs in a hollow tree or in
a hole in a wall.
The Grass Owl (S. capensis) is of a much darker colour
OWLS 61
than the Bar Owl, being of a very dark brown above
relieved by a few scattered white dots. Below white spotted
with rounded dots of dark brown. Length, about 15} inches.
Fig. 28.—South African Barn Owl.
This is nowhere a common bird, but has been recorded
from the Cape, Natal, Basutoland and the Transvaal. We
have procured specimens near Grahamstown, at Brandfort,
Orange Free State and Modderfontein, Transvaal, where
62 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Fie. 29.—Grass Owl.
OWLS 63
we have invariably found the bird haunting the “ bush ”
and not the grass of the veld, so its vernacular name does
not seem to be quite appropriate. It is, however, stated in
“Stark and Sclater” to be commonly found amongst the
grass and reeds bordering streams and marshes.
Fia. 30.—White- faced Owls.
The Marsh Owl (Asio capensis) is the first of the ‘‘ eared ”
owls. It is dark brown above and paler below, marbled
with pale brown above and mottled with white on the lower
breast. Length, 14} to 15 inches.
It is found in the long grass growing on the banks of
spruits or rivers, and in marshes, where it usually consorts
in parties of from three to six individuals. We have found
64 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
it common at Modderfontein, Transvaal. It nests on the
ground in swampy growth, and lays two to four white eggs.
Its food consists of lizards, mice, frogs and insects.
The White-faced Owl (Asio leucotis) is of a mottled and
streaky grey appearance above. Facial disc white with a
strongly-marked black margin behind, which is clearly seen
in the three individuals of our photograph. Below much
Fic. 31.—Young Cape Eagle Owl.
like the back but of a more barred appearance, abdomen and
undertail coverts white narrowly barred with black. Length,
12 to 124 inches. It is found from the Orange River north-
wards to Somaliland, but, within our limits at any rate,
seems nowhere very plentiful. We have seen it in the
Pretoria District and the Bushveld. It lives on small
rodents such as rats and mice, and insects such as locusts
and grasshoppers.
65
OWLS
‘aToy sou 4@ Sunod yALM “PAO Ysng—
6&
‘OL
66 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Fia. 33.—Cape Eagle Owl and nest.
67
OWLS
JMO oyFeq poyodg jo red y—Fg
“OL
68 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
The Bush Owl (Syrniwm woodfordi) is a thorough bush-
loving species ; we found it not uncommon in the bush near
Grahamstown. It extends northward to British East.Africa.
The adult bird is dark brown above adorned with three-
cornered white spots ; below, white barred with brown. No
“ear” tufts. The young bird has the plumage shaded with
tawny. It usually breeds in a hollow tree. Length, 14 to
144 inches.
The Eagle Owls (Bubo) are the largest of the South African
representatives of the Striges and are all “ eared.”
The Cape Eagle Owl (Bubo capensis) is dark brown spotted
with reddish-buff ; bill black. It measures about 194 inches
in length ; wing, 144 inches.
It nests in old nests of other birds, or in a nest of its own
construction on the bank of a river, and lays two to four
pure white eggs.
It is confined to Cape Colony and Natal.
The Spotted Eagle Ow] (B. maculosus) is smaller than the
preceding bird, but like it has a black bill. Length of wing,
123 inches. Total length, 20 inches.
It is recorded from almost everywhere and is the commonest
owl in the sub-continent.
The cry of this bird is a thorough hoot, described by many
as “ ominous ”’; if can be heard from the owl’s position on
the housetop—or in the bush. The same senseless superstition
that its ery is an augury of the death of some member of the
household attaches to this Owl as to the Barn Owl.
It subsists on reptiles, frogs, insects, and mice and other
small mammals, and is therefore of decided economic value
to the farmer.
It generally lays its eggs in a depression in the ground.
We took several clutches of two eggs each from a nesting
OWLS 69
site on a rocky ledge in an old quarry, during the month of
October, at Modderfontein.
The Giant Eagle Owl (B. lacteus) can easily be distin-
guished from the other members of the genus by its pale
Fia. 35.—Spotted Eagle Owl.
‘‘horm ”’-coloured bill and its much larger size, being 28
inches in length, with a wing measurement of about 17
inches. It has, moreover, a more “streaked” appearance
than either of the preceding species.
70 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
The very opposite to the preceding species is the Little
Scops Owl (Scops capensis) which is only 7 inches in length.
It is an “‘ eared ” species of a dark grey colour mottled with
black, and occasional rusty markings.
We have observed it in Albany and in the Pretoria
District. At Modderfontein it is a scarce bird and affects the
Eucalyptus plantations. It has a peculiar habit of clapping
its mandibles together, making a loud clacking noise. It is
almost wholly an insect-feeder.
The little Pearl-spotted Owl (Glaucidium perlatum) is
about the same size as the Scops Owl, but can easily be
distinguished by the absence of ear tufts and the charac-
teristic mottlmg of the upper surface—white spots edged
with black. Length, 7 inches. |
It is common along water-courses, where it feeds on
insects, varied by an occasional mouse or small reptile.
It ranges from the Orange River northwards.
KESTRELS
Amongst the Falconide there are many birds which are
decidedly more useful than otherwise.
The first of these useful species is the South African
Kestrel (Cerchneis rupicolus), which is by far the commonest
and best known member of the genus.
Head slate-colour streaked with black; rump and tail
slate-grey, the latter barred with black. Body of a general
reddish-chestnut brown spotted with black. Length, 123 to
13 inches.
It is a resident and breeds either on a krantz, in old build-
ings, or in trees. The eggs, which are generally three in
number, are cream-coloured, spotted and blotched with
various shades of brown.
The Larger Kestrel (C. rupscoloides) differs from the fore-
KESTRELS 71
going species in being paler above, the head uniform with
the back and its considerably larger size. Length, 144 inches.
It is, so far as we can ascertain, a “ partial migrant,” and
is spread over the greater part of the African continent.
Fia. 36.—South African Kestrel.
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We took a clutch of five eggs from the deserted nest of
a Secretary-Bird ; these varied considerably both in ground
colour and in markings, but in the main resemble those of
rupicola, beg, however, a little more elongated in shape,
with a narrower diameter.
The Lesser Kestrel (C. nawmanni) is a migrant from
Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Asia, where it breeds,
arriving in South Africa about October.
It is smaller than rupicola ; the male has the head, neck,
rump region, tail and wings bluish-grey; the back of a
cinnamon colour without spots ; below paler than the back
with a few scattered spots. The female resembles that of
rupicola, but is without the blue head. Length, 12 to 18
inches.
At Ivene the Lesser Kestrel is very common during the
summer months, but strange to say it is only an occasional
visitor to Modderfontein (some 20 miles to the south). In
Albany these birds are usually very scarce, but on one
occasion the Division was visited by a large flock (probably
a hundred of them) which took up its residence for a week in
Belmont Valley, near Grahamstown. They were in the
habit of flying round in circles during the day and roosting
in some high Gum trees at night.
We had the camera focussed on a small dead tree which
seemed a favourite perching place, with about 20 feet of
tubing attached to the shutter. There were about thirty
birds on the tree when a passing herd-boy cracked his whip,
disturbing them before an exposure could be made. We
were ultimately only able to obtain the accompanying picture
of a pair. The male is in the foreground, and the female is
sitting with her back to the camera.
The Hastern Red-legged Kestrel (C. amurensis) is readily
74 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Fic. 38.—A pair of Lesser Kestrels.
QUAILS 15
distinguished from the other members of the genus by its
dark slate-black colour above and orange-red coloured legs.
It is a migrant from China and Japan, where it breeds,
passing through India to South Africa.
The Kestrels are all gregarious at times, particularly the
migratory species ; or when swarms of locusts are passing
through a district. In the latter case the Kestrels congre-
gate into large flocks and follow the swarm, devouring large
numbers of the locusts, and thus rendering invaluable aid
to the agriculturist. We have also seen several of the
species hawking flying ants on the wing. Besides locusts and
ants Kestrels feed on lizards, mice, scorpions and spiders.
Only one solitary case of mischief against a Kestrel has
come under our notice during many years of collecting and
observing. In dissecting a Larger Kestrel on October 14,
1906, we found in its stomach, besides ants, spiders and a
lizard, the head and fragments of two full-grown Bar-
breasted Finches (Oriygospiza polyzona).
QUAILS
The Quails are amongst the farmers’ best friends, as
they feed on weed and grass seeds, insects of various kinds
and locusts.
The Americans fully recognise the claims of the Quail
to inclusion amongst the useful species, and in a pamphlet
issued by the United States Department of Agriculture in
1905, the economic value of these birds is fully discussed.
The following extract from Dr. 0. H. Merriam’s report
admirably sums up the results arrived at: ‘‘ Investigation
shows the birds to be no less important’ in their economic
than in their other relations to man. They are found to be
exceedingly valuable allies to agriculture because of the
quantity of noxious insects and weed seeds they destroy,
while the harm they do is insignificant.”
76 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Judging from our own experience of the two species in-
habiting South Africa, we should say that this is equally
applicable to the local birds.
Fig. 39.—Cape Quail, nest and eggs.
Regarding the Quail as a locust destroyer, the investiga-
tions of Mr. Thomsen, the then Chief Locust Officer of the
Transvaal Department of Agriculture, are both instructive
GUINEA FOWL 17
and interesting. He considers these little game birds “ great
locust-eaters,”” and is rightly opposed to their being bagged
in hundreds by reckless sportsmen.
The Cape Quail (Coturnia africana)—-the Kwartel of the
Dutch—does not need any description, being too well known
throughout the length and breadth of the land.
It is an irregular migrant, appearing and disappearing
very suddenly.
Tt lies very close, rising suddenly with a ‘‘ whirr”’ of the
wings, and after a short but rapid flight settles as suddenly.
It nests in long grass, or more generally in grain fields,
consequently many nests are destroyed by the reapers. The
number of eggs in a clutch varies from five to ten, and may
occasionally be as many as a dozen ; they are of a yellowish-
brown or brownish-yellow colour sometimes spotted, but
more generally heavily blotched with liver-brown and pale-
brown.
The male of the second and last species (the Harlequin
Quail—C. delagorguet) is easily recognisable by the black
throat and.bright dark chestnut under parts, relieved by.
a large black patch in the centre of the breast. The
female has the throat white and the lower surface chest-
nut mottled with black.
This species is similar to the Cape Quail in habits.
A great influx into Mashonaland occurred in 1901 and
1902, an account of which was communicated to the
Proceedings of the Rhodesia Scientific Association by
Mr. Tredgold.
GUINEA FOWL
Birds of almost equal economic value in South Africa
are the Guinea Fowl (Numida).
Here, again, we must quote Mr. Thomsen. In the
78 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
Journal of the South African Ornithologists’ Union, he
gives a succinct account of its usefulness as a locust
destroyer, asserting that not only does it devour both
the mature insects and voetgangers, but it also scratches
up and eats large numbers of their eggs. He instances
cases in which he. personally observed flocks of wild
Guinea fowl surrounding and devouring swarms of voet-
gangers. The Guinea Fowl also feeds on roots and
weed seeds, besides other insect pests such as termites
and the like.
In its black plumage, speckled all over with round dots
of white, naked head and neck and a bony helmet, it is
a familiar bird to nearly every Colonial. The Squeakers
—as the young flying birds of the year are called—are
void of the helmet, the top of the head being longitudin-
ally striped with pale rufous and dull black. The
feathers of the body have also a shade of tawny here
and there.
Tt is exceedingly common in the tracts of bush-country
from the Eastern Cape Colony northwards to the Zambesi.
In the neighbourhood of Brandfort, Orange Free State, it
is very plentiful amongst some of the mimosa belts and
forms a favourite item in the Sportsman’s bag.
It is now also common in the eucalyptus plantations on
the Rand.
The Crowned Guinea Fowl is a bird that will appear and
gradually increase in a neighbourhood for some years, and
then suddenly die out. From the examination of specimens
shot, the cause of the disappearance is probably partial
extermination by the Wire-worm so common in ostrich veld.
About ten years ago these birds were plentiful in the imme-
diate neighbourhood of Grahamstown ; prior to that they
had not been seen for some years. Recently they have
gradually increased again. The nest photographed was
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Cornell University
tehaea, New York ‘4850
GUINEA FOWL 79
taken at Belmont, and while exposing the plate several
young actually hatched out. Before many hours had
elapsed the whole brood had left the nest.
The Guinea Fowl lays its eggs, pale brown in colour thickly
Fie. 40.—Crowned Guinea Fowl, nest and eggs.
speckled with darker pin-points, in a depression in the
ground under a small bush or tuft of long grass.
It runs swiftly and does not rise very readily, conse-
quently shooting it in thick thorn bush is often no easy
80 FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST
matter, as plenty of hard running and a little strategy is
necessary to procure it.
It takes readily to confinement and is often found on the
farms in a domesticated condition.
The ordinary tame farmyard bird differs in having a
white breast, white wing quills, and in its smaller size.
Fig. 41.—Guinea Fowl Chicks hatching out.
The Crested Guinea Fowl (Guttera edouardi) has the very
distinguishing characteristic of a large tuft of curly black
feathers on the crown.
It is only found in a few of tthe forest districts north of
Durban, whence it extends northwards to the Zambesi. It
is a denizen of thick bush.
GUINEA FOWL 81
Before closing our chapter on the friends of the agri-
culturist, a few remarks on the protection of birds might
not be out of place. Some—the Locust-Birds proper—
should be absolutely protected by law, but as regards the
Guinea Fowl, Francolin and Bustards, the question is a
more difficult one. Some enthusiasts would suggest that
these birds be also placed under the above enactment, but
what about the “Sportsman”? He will surely protest
most vehemently against such an action, and with reason.
We think that a compromise might be a rational solution
of the difficulty, viz. that although these birds may be shot
for sport, they should not be allowed for purposes of barter.
They should be prohibited from the stock-in-trade of the
game shops. This would in a great measure stem the tide
of destruction, as no érue sportsman would butcher birds
he knew were of distinct economic value, and the few—in
comparison—shot merely for sport would not make any
appreciable difference.
Legislation is no doubt necessary, but to make it thoroughly
satisfactory and workable the public must be educated up
to a knowledge of the usefulness of our little feathered
friends:
CHAPTER III
THE FARMER’S FOES
STARLINGS
First in order of classification comes the Spreeuw, or Pied
Starling (Spreo bicolor), which is very common throughout
South Africa, excepting the Natal littoral and German South-
West territory.
It feeds chiefly on insects, but during the fruit season
creates enormous havoc amongst the fruit crops, notably
figs. They are so destructive in some districts that, unless
strong measures are taken, hardly a ripe fig remains to be
gathered. With a bird of this description it is exceedingly
difficult to know where to place it. It has no beauty in its
brown plumage (which has, however, bronzy reflections in
the sun), and white abdomen, and does probably quite as
much good in destroying insect pests as harm by devouring
figs and other fruit. However, to the fruit farmer, and the
householder who possesses a few fruit trees, it is an undoubted
nuisance, so we perforce include it in this chapter.
The Pied Starling nests in holes and dongas, prospecting
pits, and walls, or under stones, and lays from four to six
greenish-blue eggs during the months of August to October.
Dr. Stark says the eggs are occasionally marked with reddish-
brown.
The Red-winged Starling (Amydrus morio), or Rooivlerk, as
the Dutch term it, is glossy blue-black with reddish-chestnut
primary wing feathers.
STARLINGS
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84 THE FARMER’S FOES
It is gregarious in habits and a great fruit thief, but feeds
largely on caterpillars and insects. It builds in krantzes,
laying three to five blue-green eggs marked with a few
neseigscirorniraay
Fic. 43.—Red-wing Starling at nest.
red-brown blotches. It has a peculiar whistle which is
emitted while the bird is flying.
WEAYER-BIRDS
Amongst the Weaver-Birds (Ploceide) there are several
species of gregarious habits, which do a large amount of
damage to the ripening grain crops. These are notably
Quelea quelea (Pink-billed Weaver), which is easily recognised
even in winter by the pink colour of the bill—the Red
Bishop-Bird (Pyromelana oryxz), and the Long-tailed Widow-
Bird (Diatropura procne).
BULBULS 85
In the Maroka District of the Orange Free State and
parts of Basutoland, where these birds are exceedingly
common, the natives build mounds of turf sods at various
points of vantage in the fields, from whence lumps of clay are
thrown with switches to scare away the feathered marauders.
Shouting and beating of empty tins is also resorted to.
We will treat of them more fully under the heading: of
“ Bird Architects.”
BULBULS
The true Bulbuls (Pyenonotus), of which South Africa
possesses four species, live almost exclusively on fruits
and berries, so they can hardly be termed anything but
86 THE FARMER’S FOES
enemies of the farmer. Indeed, their depredations to the
fig and apricot crops in the Transvaal are beyond forbearance,
as they present themselves directly the fruit commences to
ripen, and devour all those which ripen first, just as the
fruit is ‘‘on the turn,” and scarcely fit yet for human con-
sumption.
These Bulbuls are the favourite hosts of the Jacobin,
Black and White, and Crested Cuckoos.
Although great fruit eaters, they are the first birds to
warn one of the proximity of a snake, and they consume
a fair amount of insects, especially when feeding their
young.
We can do no better than give an excerpt of the key by
Dr. E. Hartert, in “‘ Novitates Zoologice”’ (“On the
African forms of the Genus Pycnonotus ”’) :-—
I. Pycnonotus barbatus. Eyelid feathered.
a. P. b. tricolor. South-West Africa—North to the Congo.
(Under tail-coverts yellow ; crown brown.)
b. P. b. layardi. Eastern Cape Colony, northwards to Lake
Nyassa.
(Under tail-coverts yellow ; crown black.)
II. Pycnonotus capensis. Eyelids protruding, wattle-like.
a. P.c. capensis. Southern parts Cape Colony.
(Eyelid mostly whitish; underside brownish, paler in the
middle of the abdomen.)
b. P.c. nigricans. Central Cape Colony, northwards to Transvaal
in the East and Benguda in the West.
(Under-surface, except throat, whitish ; crown black. Eyelid
bright reddish, or “‘ chrome-orange.’’)
These birds are of a general dark brown colour above and
are known by various “local’’ or vernacular names, such
as ‘“ Tiptol ” in the Hastern Cape, “‘ Geelgat ” or “‘ Kuifkop ”
of the Dutch, ‘‘ Topknot” or “ Black Head” in Natal.
It is also occasionally called the “‘ Blackcap.”
MOUSEBIRDS 87
MOUSEBIRDS
The Mousebirds, or Colies (Family Coliide), are as bad
at fruit-thieving as the Bulbuls, if not more so, and devour
large quantities of apricots, plums, peaches, &c. They are
Fia. 45.—Speckled Mousebird.
gregarious in habits, going about in flocks, and are chiefly
remarkable for the hair-like nature of their breast feathers,
from which they derive their Dutch name of ‘ Muisvogel’”’
(Mousebird). They have crested heads and long tails. All
‘three species are of much the same size.
South Africa possesses three species and a sub-species.
The Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) is of an ashy-grey
88 THE FARMER'S FOES
colour above and ashy-brown below, streaked with wavy
lines of a darker tint. Bare skin round eye black. Length,
13 to 14 inches.
It ranges from the Cape Colony to the Zambesi, but is
not found in the Orange Free State, nor in the Western
or Central Transvaal.
The White-backed Mousebird (C. colius) is easily dis-
tinguishable from the foregoing bird by the centre of the
back being white bordered with black, and a patch of dark
maroon on the rump. This is the Western species ranging
from Cape Town, touching the Orange Free State and the
Transvaal, up to Damaraland.
The Red-faced Mousebird (C. indicus) can easily be
recognised from either of the two first mentioned species
by its greyish-green colour and the conspicuous crimson
skin round the eye.
The Colies nest in trees, building a somewhat frail saucer-
shaped structure of sticks, which is lined—in the case
of the Speckled Mousebird—with green leaves, and with
grass and vegetable down so far as the other two are
concerned.
In the Grahamstown District we found the Speckled and
the Red-faced Mousebirds common, but in the more central
portions of the Orange Free State and Central Transvaal
only the Red-faced species occurs.
The latter bird lays three eggs of a creamy-white, sparingly
speckled and streaked with red, which may be searched
for during the months of November and December.
It is, however, amongst the Family Falconide (Hawks,
Eagles and Falcons) that some of the worst of the farmer’s
foes are to be found.
,
FALCONS 89
FALCONS
The first species we will deal with is the South African
Lanner (Falco biarmicus)—a handsome, bold-looking bird of
from 16 to 18 inchesin length. Asarule in birds of prey the
female is larger than the male. It is dark slate colour above
with a brick-red head—the latter with black shaft streaks,
the former barred with bluish-grey, below pale fawn colour.
Its range is wide, extending to Central Africa and Angola.
It is a rapid and strong flyer, sallying forth from some krantz
to prey upon birds, and steal what poultry it can lay its claws
on. We have known it to raise almost full-grown poultry
from the ground : in one case the bird would have carried off
its prey (a half-grown duckling) had not a pointer dog gallantly
rushed to the rescue, and leaping up caused the Hawk to
drop the duckling, which escaped with a few scratches.
The South African Peregine Falcon (F. minor) very much
resembles the English bird, the chief point of difference
being its considerably smaller size.
The Red-necked Falcon (Falco ruficollis) has the hind
neck and crown of head of a reddish-chestnut, and is cobalt-
blue above, barred with narrow black stripes. The breast
is of a pale chestnut, and the rest of the lower surface of a
pale blue barred with black.
It is not a common bird in South Africa, but the Transvaal
Museum contains a female mounted in its nest, taken near
Pretoria by Mr. C. B. Horsbrugh on October 24, 1904. This
has now been created a new sub-species by Dr. Gunning and
Austin Roberts, who have named it F. horsbrughi.
The Pigmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) should
perhaps not be included in this chapter, but as it belongs
to the Falcons I will include it here. It is an extremely
pretty, dainty little bird (not a foot long) in its bright colour-
ing of soft grey, chestnut, red and white. It is practically
(progsuwy “YO “A : "s0}0Ud)
‘(snorusn1g ony) UOoeT IaUUV'] UsOLI;Y YNoG— gp ‘Ol,
EAGLES: 91
harmless, subsisting chiefly upon insects and small birds.
Our photograph is from a mounted specimen in the Transvaal
Museum, collected at Wolmaranstad by Mr. A. Roberts.
Fie. 47 -—Pigmy Falcon.
(From a mounted specimen.)
.
EAGLES
The next group is the Hagles, the first representative of
which is the powerful Black Eagle (Aquila verreauai), called
by the Boers the Dassievanger (dassie-catcher) from its
THE FARMER’S FOES
92
Fie. 48.—Martial Hawk-Eagle.
(From a mounted specimen.)
Fie. 49.—Nest of Crowned Hawk-Eagle: collecting the eggs.
94. THE FARMER’S FOES
fondness for Rock Rabbits (Procavia capensis). It is coal-
black with a snowy-white patch in the centre of the back.
It is a bird of the mountain regions, and is fairly well
distributed in South Africa, excepting German South-West
Africa and Rhodesia. Length, about 33 inches.
This handsome bird preys on lambs and kids, and even
on sick sheep. It nests on high cliffs, building a huge nest
of sticks, and lays, during the month of July, one or two eggs
of a bluish-white colour, sparingly blotched with red-brown.
The Tawny Eagle (A. rapax)—the Coo-vogel of the Boers—
is reddish-brown above and tawny-brown below.
Like its much larger congener, the Black Hagle, it will
kill and eat sheep and goats, and has also been observed
devouring carrion. It nests in trees, also during winter,
and its eggs resemble those of the foregoing species, but are
considerably smaller. Length, 27 to 31 inches.
The Brown Crested Eagle (Hieraaéius wahlbergu) is dark
sepia-brown in colour, and possesses a crest. Length, 21 to
23 inches. This bird is not uncommon on the Magaliesberg
Range and the Pretoria Bushveld (Central Transvaal).
The African Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaétus spilogaster) is
brownish-black above spotted with white; under parts
white, streaked with black. The young plumage is tobacco-
brown above and reddish-fawn below. Length, 26 to 27
inches. This Eagle is very destructive to poultry.
The Martial Eagle (Spizaétus bellicosus) is dark sepia above
and below, except the abdominal regions, which are white
spotted with brown. Length, 31 to 33 inches.
This bird is as large and powerful as the Black Eagle,
and resembles it in its depredatory habits. Its chief prey
consists of the smaller antelopes, hares, and the smaller
EAGLES 95
carnivora. It is very destructive to young goats and lambs.
It nests in trees from June to August, laying a single white
egg marked with red-brown.
The Crowned Hawk-Eagle (Spizaétus coronatus) is black
above (with a white-edged crest) and black below with
white bands, giving the under-surface a more or less mottled
appearance. It has short wings and a long tail. Length,
33 to 36 inches.
Fig. 50.—Dr. Stark and-R. H. Ivy at foot of tree containing
Crowned Hawk-Eagle’s nest.
It attacks its prey from above, swooping heavily. This
consists of various wild and domesticated animals, and
includes poultry.
The nest shown to Dr. Stark near Grahamstown still
exists in the large Kaffir plum tree, and is about 60 feet
above the ground. It is situated in Donker Bosch on Stone
Hill. The birds can be seen morning and evening soaring
above their nest from any vantage point in Featherstone
Valley. We append a photograph of the nest and the
96 THE FARMER'S FOES
adventurous method of taking the eggs. We have also
much pleasure in reproducing a photograph of Dr. Stark,
taken in company with Messrs. Ivy and Pym. Messrs.
Stark and Ivy are each holding an egg of the eagle. When
these eggs were taken a freshly-killed Blue Buck ram was
lying in the nest. On one occasion fifty-eight skulls were
counted on the ground beneath the nest, comprising Blue
Buck, Rhebok, Stembuck and Rock Rabbit. During recent
years the birds seldom drop bones below the nest.
This pair of Eagles generally raise four young each season,
the young birds keeping in company with the parents until
the warm months. On one occasion the female was shot,
but the male found another mate within a couple of weeks,
and reared a brood shortly afterwards.
The Crested Hawk-Hagle (Lophocetus occipitalis) is of a
very dark brown colour, and possesses a long crest.of eight
to ten narrow feathers about 5 inches in length. Bird, 23
to 24 inches. This bird has been recorded from George, in
the Cape Colony, northwards to the Zambesi. Like the
Crowned Hawk-Eagle, it inhabits bush country, but unlike
it, is of a harmless disposition, living principally on reptiles,
frogs, and small rodents, such as rats.
The Bateleur (Helotarsus ecaudatus) is another bird which
should not find a place in this chapter, but as we have
included most of the eagles here, we also insert the Bateleur.
This species—called by the Boers the Berghaan—is a
handsome erested bird of a black colour, with the centre
of the back and tail rich maroon chestnut. The young
plumage is dull brown. It is easily recognisable by its
very short tail, and in its adult stage by its bright red legs.
It has a curious habit of turning somersaults in the air,
and feeds chiefly on small animals and reptiles.
BUZZARDS 97
BUZZARDS
The Jackal Buzzard (Buteo jakal) is fairly common through-
out South Africa. It derives its name from its howling ery,
which somewhat resembles that of the Black-backed Jackal.
General colour, dull black, with a red patch on the breast
and reddish tail. Length, 21 to 23 inches.
During the month of October, 1901, we found a nest in a
Huphorbia at Bluekranz Drift near Grahamstown. It was
cup-shaped, rather shallow, about 20 inches across the top,
and composed outside of very coarse, and inside of smaller
dry sticks; all the lining discernible consisted of a few
sprigs of green leaves and a bunch of Ptylandsia (Old’Man’s
Beard-moss). At the end of July, 1902, a second nest was
found at Fernside Kloof, also near Grahamstown. This
nest had, however, been built by a pair of Goshawks, and
afterwards “‘ commandeered” by the Buzzards, as it con-
tained three eggs—two large white ones of the ordinary
Buzzard type, and a smaller egg resembling that generally
laid by the Goshawk. A photo was taken with the female
Buzzard perched near the nest (Fig. 51). Two little downy
chicks were hatched, which were fed by the parents at sunset.
Snakes, mice and rats and various birds seemed to be the
staple fare provided. A leg and feathers of a “ Bush-
pheasant ” (Pternistes) was on one occasion found in the
nest. Mr. Harold Fry states that a pair discovered by him
in Natal fed their young largely upon spiders and insects,
such as grasshoppers, &c.
Mr. R. H. Ivy relates that ten days were spent in trying
to obtain a photograph of the parent birds at the nest with
young, but they invariably left before sunrise and returned
after sunset, when the light was far too faint for a “snap ”
exposure. The camera was fastened quite close to the nest
on a neighbouring bough with 40 feet of tubing attached.
H
98 THE FARMER’S FOES
Fria. 51.—Female Jackal Buzzard at nest of South African Goshawk.
BUZZARDS 99
Nevertheless, photographing the Buzzards was no easy
matter, as the infuriated birds seemed intent on either
damaging the camera or our heads, and we had to make
most energetic demonstrations to keep the enemy at bay.
Many attempts were made to obtain a decent exposure and
our adventures were numerous. On arriving at the nest
one morning we saw a huge leopard crouched on the tree
not far from the nest, and on our approach it slid to the
ground and glided—a flash of yellow—down the kloof.
On another occasion, when nesting in Bluekrantz Gorge,
a leopard descended from a tree close to us in the same
manner ; the lowest branch could not have been less than
40 feet from the ground, and the animal came down with a
crash, but without a jump; the claw-marks were distinctly
visible on the bark to within 3 feet of the ground. On one
occasion, while endeavouring to obtain an exposure in a
high wind, the camera being lashed to a swaying bough, one
of the birds made a vicious swoop at young Roy Ivy, who had
been left in the tree to make the exposure, and carried off
his cap. The two chicks were finally removed by us, but
one of them died when about three months old. The other
grew to maturity and was liberated in the yard, but was soon
given away owing toits vicious nature. It killed and devoured
two tame owls, and a large number of fowls and ducks before
it was got rid of. Colonel Abdy, of the Royal Artillery, took
us out to a nest in Baviaans Kloof, near Hatherley, Pretoria
District, which was placed on an inaccessible ledge on the
face of a.krantz. It contained two downy young ones.
These birds are demons, so far as the farmer is concerned,
stealing any poultry they can get hold of.
There is another species of Buteo (B. desertorum), the
Steppe Buzzard, which is also fairly well known. It. is of
a general pale brown colour above, with darker “shaft
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BUZZARDS 101
streaks ’’ and a patchy white mark on the nape of the neck.
Below dark brown, with the abdomen irregularly mottled
Fie. 53.—Jackal Buzzard (adult). (From a stuffed specimen.)
with white. The young bird is paler above and below, and
has the feathers of the upper surface edged with paler.
Length, 20 to 22 inches.
102 THE FARMER’S FOES
It is a bird with a very wide range, migrating from Southern
Europe and Western and Southern Asia. In the Transvaal
it is far from uncommon, and several examples, in both
young and adult stages of plumage, were obtained on the
Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, in the neighbourhood of
one of the dams.
These birds are, as Distant states, very partial to telegraph
poles, but may often be seen perched on a fence pole in a
somewhat sleepy condition, allowing one to get quite close
ere taking flight. When hunting the flight is somewhat
sluggish. Small birds, insects and lizards seem to be the
staple diet, but an occasional chicken or duckling does not
come amiss.
KITES
_ The Yellow-billed Kite (Miluus cgyptius) is a migrant
from North Africa and Arabia. It is'a sepia-coloured bird
with a grey forehead and throat, and a strongly forked tail.
Length, about 21 inches. According to Major Stevenson
Hamilton, the Game Warden of the Transvaal Game Re-
serves, its Dutch name of Kuikendief (Chicken-thief) is not
merited, as his experience of them is that they do not steal
poultry. Be that as it may (we cannot verify or contradict
this in toto; we have seen them hawking and devouring
locusts), it has a bad reputation amongst the populace,
whose ignorance is, however, proverbial. The nest is either
placed in a tree or in a krantz, and the eggs are white,
blotched and streaked with blood-brown.
The Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus ceeruleus), the Witte
Sperwele of the Boers (occasionally also called the Blaauw
Valk), should, perhaps, not find a place in the present
chapter, as it is by far more useful than harmful ; in fact,
we know of very few authentic cases where the present species
can be accused of thieving. The farmers will tell you it is a
KITES 103
fearful chicken-thief, but they may confuse it with several
other species. It feeds mainly on mice and rats, reptiles and
insects, varied by an occasional small bird or chicken.
Tt is slate-grey above, with the basal half of the wings
Fia. 54.—Black-shouldered Kite.
black, the remainder of the wings being like the back ; black
in front and behind the eye; lower surface white, tinged
with blue-grey on the breast. Length, about 12 inches.
It builds a rough, saucer-shaped nest of twigs in a mimosa
104 THE FARMER’S FOES
or other likely tree, and lays three to five eggs of a pale green
ground colour, speckled and blotched with various shades
of reddish- and purplish-brown.
We found it breeding at Modderfontein, Transvaal, and
Grahamstown, Cape Colony.
SPARROW-HAWKS |
The Sparrow-Hawks are represented in South Africa by
four species, only two of which are fairly common birds.
The Little Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter minullus) is slatey-
black above; below, white barred with narrow brown bands
edged with reddish. Length, 94 to 12 inches.
It is a small but fearless little bird, loving the bush-regions,
where it nests in a tree in the kloofs. They may often be
found resting on a little ledge high up on the face of a krantz
in one of the Kloofs near Grahamstown. For years they
‘have nested here, and may often be seen in the locality,
although never actually on the nest (which is in a tree close
by) when any one is about.
Small as the bird is, it will attack chickens, descending
with an oblique swoop. It lays three eggs of a white ground
colour, thickly blotched with brown and purplish. It is
generally distributed over the more wooded portion of the
sub-continent.
The African Sparrow-Hawk (A. rufiventris) is dark slate
above and chestnut below, excepting the chin, throat and
under tail-coverts. Length, 18 to 16 inches. It is not un-
common in the Albany District, and feeds chiefly on mice,
insects and birds, &c., and is algo a destructive bird in the
poultry yard. This species is not uncommon in the Cape
and Natal, but it is scarcer in the more northern territories.
The African Goshawk (Astur tachiro) is of a dark slate.
SPARROW-HAWKS 105
: ;
Fra. 56.—Nest and eggs of African Goshawk.
emale South African Goshawk near nest.
F
Fig. 57.—
:)
(The bird is still in partial immature plumage
SPARROW-HAWKS 107
above and white below, narrowly barred with brown. The
young bird is browner above and has the under parts covered
with large drop-like spots of dark brown. Length, 15 to 17
inches.
The nest is composed of coarse sticks, &c., placed on a
bough of a Kaffir plum or other forest tree. The nest in the
photograph was visited by us on four or five occasions, and
each time we found it freshly lined with the leaves of the
tree in which the nest was built. It contained two creamy-
white eggs on November 15.
It is a forest-loving species and a great poultry thief.
A fairly common species in the Central Transvaal is the
Little-banded Goshawk (Astur polyzonoides), which is only
11} inches in length. It is blue-grey above and white below,
transversely barred with brownish. Although it feeds largely
upon mice and lizards and even locusts, it will catch and
devour small birds, and should really be excluded from this
chapter.
CHAPTER IV
BIRD ARCHITECTS
Tue first group under this heading is the large family of
Weaver-Birds (Ploceide), which are divided into three
sub-families :—
(1) True Weavers (Ploceine) ; (2) Waxbills (Estrildine) ;
(8) Widow- and Bishop-Birds (Viduine).
TRUE WEAYERS
The commonest and most widely distributed member of
this sub-family is the Masked Weaver (Hyphantornis velatus).
This bright yellow bird with olive-yellow back, black face
and throat, is a well-known figure along most of the South
African water-courses. It builds a kidney-shaped nest of
grass, beautifully woven, with the entrance hole at the
bottom. There is usually a bar across the inside of the nest
next the aperture to prevent the eges from rolling out. The
nest is either hung between two or three reeds, or else sus-
pended from the drooping branches of a tree, usually a weep-
ing willow. We have even found the nest amongst mimosa
scrub away from water, although the usual site is in the
immediate vicinity of water of some description. In spring,
when these birds are busily engaged in constructing their
nests, the reed-beds and willow-trees are pretty scenes of
colour and activity. The wild, weird song indulged in by
the males is a very pleasing sound to. the South African.
The Masked Weaver lays eggs which vary very considerably
TRUE WEAVERS 109
in colour, being either plain white, plain blue-green, bluish-
green spotted with reddish-brown and grey, or cream colour
with dark brown and reddish-brown spots.
The Spotted-backed Weaver (H. spilonotus) is the com-
monest form in the South-eastern Province of Cape Colony,
Photo.: E. H. U. Draper.
Fic. 58.—Nests of Masked Weaver-Bird.
being exceedingly common in the Albany kloofs. It re-
sembles the Masked Weaver in colour, differing in having.
the back of a spotted appearance, owing to the feathers
being black tipped with yellow. Length, 7 inches. Like
the foregoing bird, it nests in colonies, but generally suspends
its nest from trees or bushes overhanging water. The eggs
vary almost as much as those of the Masked Weaver, but the
markings are of a more speckly nature.
110 BIRD ARCHITECTS
There is a smaller species—length, 54 inches—resembling
the Masked Weaver (H. auricapillus), but of a more brightly
tinted yellow, which is found in the Pretoria Bushveld,
northwards to the Zambesi. We discovered it fairly plentiful
along the Crocodile River, north of the Magaliesberg range,
where it was nesting in colonies in the willow and other
trees overhanging the river. The nests appeared to be
smaller than those of the Masked Weaver.
The Yellow Weaver (H. subaureus) has no black on the
head, and breeds principally in the reed-beds, constructing
its nest of strips of the leaves of reeds.
The Bottle Weaver (Sitagra ocularia) resembles the Masked
Weaver, but has only the throat and a streak through the
eye black. Length, 6 inches. It is fairly common in the
forest districts of the Eastern Cape Colony. It constructs
a wonderful nest woven of grass—in the vicinity of Grahams-
town it is usually of a tough red fibre—shaped like a retort,
with a long neck which is frequently several feet in length.
The eggs are three in number, and of a white ground colour,
sometimes spotted with pinkish- and sometimes with purplish-
grey. They build occasionally in the open bush away from
water and are not gregarious in habits, residing usually in pairs.
The Cape Weaver-Bird (S. capensis), and its Eastern and
Northern representative (S. ¢. caffra), has no black throat.
It is a large bird, and builds a fairly large nest, generally
overhanging water, and is either suspended from a tree or
between reeds..
In the Central Transvaal we have found it nesting in
colonies amongst the eucalyptus trees growing in the vicinity
of water, where it suspends its nest from the lower branches
of the trees.
It lays bright greenish-blue eggs.
Photo.: A. D. Millar, Durban.
Bird.
—Nest of Bottle Weaver
i.
59
Fia.
112 BIRD ARCHITECTS
It is fond of sucking the pollen from flowers, and the
feathers of the forehead are often caked with the saccharine
juices.
Fia. 60.—Cape Weaver-Bird at nest.
The Forest Weaver (8. gregalis) is rusty-black above and
golden-yellow below.
Its habitat is from Algoa Bay in the Eastern Hrevinee of
the Cape to Zululand.
This bird is not gregarious as its name would indicate,
being found in pairs in the thickly wooded kloofs, where it
suspends its necked and retort-shaped nest, woven of fine
tendrils of creeping plants, high up over a pool or rill of
water. Although coarsely constructed, the nest is com-
pactly woven and can be crushed together like a Panama
hat without materially damaging it. Fresh eggs may be
TRUE WEAVERS _ 113
taken from October to the end of December, according to the
season. These are invariably of a whitish colour thickly
spotted with pale rusty-red.
This bird has a wild, weird song, containing many sweet
Fie. 61.—Nest of Forest Weaver-Bird.
notes, and is not in our opinion harsh or creaking, although
it has a chirping call which is rather harsh and somewhat
unique. It is called the.Bush-musician, or Bos-musikant in
the English or Dutch vernacular.
The Red-headed Weaver-Bird (Anaplectes rubriceps) has
the whole head and throat, breast and upper back of a
I
114 BIRD ARCHITECTS
searlet-red ; the lower back and adjacent regions grey ; the
tail-feathers darker grey edged with yellow. Lower surface
white, excepting the sides of the body, which are grey.
Length, 52 inches. The female is grey above and white
below, the head, neck, and upper chest being tinged with
pale orange. This pretty species ranges from the Eastern
and Northern Transvaal to Nyassaland, but is nowhere
exactly common. It builds a rough retort-like nest, some-
what like that of the Bottle Weaver, and lays blue eggs.
The Buffalo Weaver-Bird (Textor niger) is a black bird with
a red bill, measuring about 94inchesinlength. The female is
browner in colour with a whitish throat. It ranges from the
Eastern Portuguese territory through the Transvaal and
South Rhodesia to the regions of Lake Ngami and Damara-
land. This bird builds a large untidy nest of twigs and sticks,
some half dozen pairs uniting to build such a nest, in which
openings are left to serve as receptacles for their eggs and
roosting places. The eggs—3 to 4in number—may be looked
for in December, and are greyish-white, streaked with grey
and brown.
The White-browed Weaver (Ploceipasser mahali) is a light
brown sparrow-like bird with a black head and a conspicuous
white eyebrow.
It is an extremely common bird around Brandfort, Orange
Free State, where its loud, peculiar warble may always be
heard amongst the mimosa scrub.
Here, too, they construct their large, untidy nests of
grass stems, with two entrance holes below ; one is stopped
up during the breeding season, but is opened for the winter
months, when the nest serves as a roosting place. We have
seen aS many as ten or twelve nests in a single tree.
The eggs are white, shaded with pink, and blotched and
streaked with pinkish-brown.
WAXBILLS 115
This bird is not found south of the Orange River
valley.
A pretty little species is the Scaly-feathered Weaver
(Sporopipes squamifrons), which is light brown in colour,
with the feathers of the forepart of the head black margined
with white, giving to this portion a scaly appearance. It
is a small bird, being a little over 44 inches in length, and
ranges from Northern Cape Colony northwards to Rhodesia.
They are very common in the mimosa scrub along the
Modder River, building an untidy dome-shaped nest of grass,
woven with the ends projecting in all directions, and lined
with the flax-like flowery heads of grasses and feathers.
They lay their four or five eggs in autumn : these are bluish-
green in colour, thickly streaked and blotched with brown
and reddish-brown.
Like nearly all Weavers, they live on grass seeds varied
by a little insect food.
WAXBILLS
The Sub-family Esirildine is a large one containing many
pretty little birds, some being well known to every South
African, while others are scarce and little known.
The South African Ruddy Waxbill (Lagonosticta rubricata)
in its crimson and brown plumage is a pretty little bird, as
also is its dainty little relative, the Little Ruddy Waxbill
(L. brunneiceps), with its singular twittering call which
reminds one forcibly of the tinkling of a tiny silver bell.
In the Central Transvaal they are especially fond of feeding
on the ripening berries of the Australian pepper-tree, from
the branches of which their sprightly call may often be
heard. Length of the former species, 44 to 43 inches ; of the
latter, 35 inches. The nest of both species is built in a bush
116 BIRD ARCHITECTS
usually close to the ground, and is a round, loosely built
structure of grass, lined with feathers. Eggs three to five
(occasionally even six), and of a pure white colour.
The Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) is known as the
Rooibekje (Red-bill) amongst the Boers, and, unlike the
preceding species, may be found in enormous flocks during
the autumn and winter months, searching for seeds amongst
the weeds and grass in old lands, or amongst the open scrub
and bush.
They have a shrill, ping-ping like call, and are well known
in their plumage of brown back, crimson breast, and red
bills. Length, 42 inches. They build a large, untidy nest
of grass, lined with feathers, and lay four to six eggs of a
pure white colour.
The Blue-breasted Waxbill (Urceginthus angolensis) has the
rump regions, face and under parts, except the thighs and
centre of abdomen, light blue. Length, 42 inches. This
bird is not found south of the Orange River valley. Mr.
Harry Neethling found them common at Parys in the
Orange River Colony, during April, 1907.
a
The most beautiful species of the Sub-family is the Violet-
eared Waxbill (U. granatina), which has the top of the head,
neck, breast and back chestnut-brown, the sides of the face
lilac, the throat black, and the rump and tail-coverts bright
blue. Length, 5finches. The female is paler and less brightly
coloured than the male.
They do not congregate in large flocks like most of the
Waxbills, although the late Dr. Symonds, of Kroonstad,
has recorded the fact of having occasionally seen them in fair
numbers.
The Orange-breasted Waxbill (#. clarkei) is sometimes
WAXBILLS 117
called the Zebra Waxbill on account of the black and yellow
barring on the sides of the body. Chin and eyebrow red ;
below, yellowish-orange tinged on the chest and vent
with red. Length, 32 inches. This bird was present at
Modderfontein (Transvaal) in large flocks during the months
of February and March, 1907.
The Swee Waxbill (EZ. dufresnit) is the best known species
in the South-Eastern Province of Cage Colony from Uitenhage
to Port Alfred. It is of an olive colour above, with a grey
head, scarlet tail-coverts and a black tail. The male has
besides, the sides of the face and throat black. Length, 32
inches.
All the Waxbills are seed-eaters, thus being true friends
of the agriculturist.
They all lay white eggs in large, untidy nests built in
bushes not far off the ground or in low trees.
The Bar-breasted Weaver-Finch (Oriygospiza polyzona) is
brown above, grey-brown on the sides of the body, and grey
on the upper breast; both the latter regions are barred
with black and white.. The lower chest is chestnut and the
abdominal regions are buffish. The throat is black and there
is a white ring round the eye. Length, 34 inches. This
little bird is a well-known species in the Central Transvaal,
_ where it may always be found in flocks feeding on the grass
and weed seeds in old lands or along grassy roadsides and
the like.
When disturbed it flies up with a curious metallic cry
which gave it its local name of ‘‘ Tink-tinkie.”
It builds a dome-shaped nest under a tussock of grass,
and lays four or five pure white little eggs.
The Social Weaver (Philetaerus socius) is a brown bird
with the feathers of the nape and upper back black on the
118 BIRD ARCHITECTS
terminal portion, the edges being buff, giving these regions
a scaly appearance ; forepart of face, chin and upper part
of throat, black. Length, 54 inches. These birds are chiefly
remarkable for the hayrick-like nest they build. This
consists of a structure of grass resembling the thatched
roof of a Kaffir hut, and is placed in a camel-thorn or mimosa
tree. The lower surface.is honeycombed with cavities,
lined with feathers, which constitute the nesting places.
Dozens of pairs of birds nest under one roof. They lay
three or four eggs of a brownish-drab spotted with brown
and pale purplish.
The Red-headed Weaver-Finch (Amadina erythrocephala)
is of an ashy-grey colour above (the males possess a red
head) and below of a scaly appearance, these regions being
banded with bars of black and white. Length, 5 to 54
inches. It is a sociable bird, resembling the Cape Sparrow
(Mossie) in its general habits. It builds a large, rambling
structure not unlike that of a Sparrow, and lays three white
eggs during the months of March to June. It is “local”
in distribution, and was very common at Modderfontein,
Transvaal, until 1900, even breeding there, but since the
war it has become exceedingly scarce, only appearing occa-
sionally as “ partial migrants.”
There is a smaller species in the north (A. fasciata) cha-
racterised by a crimson band across the throat (no red
head) in the males. This bird has been fairly common in
the Pretoria District during the last two years. It is
generally called the ‘‘ cut-throat.’
BISHOP, AND WIDOW-BIRDS
The genus Pyromelana contains a few well-known and
conspicuous birds, the first of which is the Red Bishop-
Bird or Kaffir-fnk (P. oryx), too well known in its
BISHOP, AND WIDOW-BIRDS 119
brilliant plumage of orange-scarlet and black to need any
description. Length, 6inches. It isa common resident from
Northern Cape Colony northwards. It is particularly
common in the Maroka district of the Orange Free State
and the Central Transvaal, where the authors have had
personal experience of its depredatory habits. In the first-
mentioned country it is so destructive to the Kaffir corn and
Photo. : Haagner. :
Fia. 62.—The home of the Red Bishop-Bird.
wheat crops that it has earned the undying enmity of the
Barolong natives, who trap and kill it wherever and when-
ever they can. It nests in the reed-beds which border the
spruits (rivulets), many hundreds of nests being congre-
gated together in a space of as many square feet. It is not
an uncommon sight to see two or three nests suspended
120 BIRD ARCHITECTS
between a single pair of reeds. The nest is shaped like a
pouch with a domed opening at the side near the top, and
is usually constructed of strips torn from the leaves of the
reeds. It lays three or four eggs of a beautiful deep greenish-
blue colour and rather pyriform in shape. To see several
hundreds of these birds flitting about the reeds is a glorious
sight, the habit they have of fluffing out the feathers giving
a brilliance and intensity of colour to the vivid red and glossy
black, which the prepared skin exhibits but little trace of.
Its smaller congener, the Golden Bishop (P. taha), is not
nearly so common. In its beautiful golden-yellow and
glossy black plumage it looks like a ball of gold as it flits
over the marshy, weed-covered patches it delights to make
its home in, fluffing up its feathers and emitting its grating,
chirp-like call. It builds a similar nest to that of the Red
Bishop, constructing it, however, chiefly of fine grass, and
placing it amongst the rank weeds. It lays four to six eggs
of a white ground colour spotted with tiny dots of very
dark brown. This species is not found in the Cape Colony.
It is somewhat “local ”’ in distribution, appearing in certain
localities in fair numbers one season and being almost un-
known there the next.
The Cape or Yellow Bishop-Bird (P-. capensis) and its
two sub-species are larger birds than the Golden Bishop,
and differ in having the top of the head black instead of
this region being yellow, as is the case with the Golden
Bishop. The sub-species (P. ¢. approximans), inhabiting
Eastern Cape Colony, northwards, is smaller than the
western form, while the northern form is intermediate in
size between the two, and has, moreover, black thighs
(P. ¢. canthomelena).
The males of this genus change their summer plumage
by abrasion into a dull brown colour during the winter
BISHOP, AND WIDOW-BIRDS 121
_ months, more in keeping with the leafless reeds and dried-up
veld. The females are always of this dull colour.
i
z aay Ve
_ OTs
Fic. 63.—Cape Bishop-Bird near nest.
The genus Coliopasser also presents us with some well-
known forms, chief amongst these being the Long-tailed
Widow-Bird (Coliopasser procne), known in Natal as the
122 BIRD ARCHITECTS
Photo.: F. J. Ellemor.
Fic. 64.—Nest of Red-collared Widow-Bird.
BISHOP, AND WIDOW-BIRDS 123
Sakabula. In its breeding garb of glossy black, orange-red
epaulettes, and long heavy tail gracefully curved, the male
is a conspicuous ornament of the veld almost anywhere
in South Africa, excepting Western Cape Colony. Length,
23 inches (male), 7 inches (female). It builds a dome-
shaped nest of grass in a tuft of the same, and lays three
eggs of a bluish-white, thickly marked with dark and purplish-
brown and greyish blotches and spots.
The Red-collared Widow-Bird (C. ardens) is smaller than
the preceding species, has no red epaulettes, but is cha-
racterised by an orange-scarlet collar across the upper
breast. Length, 124 inches.
Like the Pyromelana, both these species are polygamous
in habits, one male consorting with from six to a dozen
females. The latter are plain brownish birds.
The sprightly little Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua principalis)
is also a well-known figure in its pied plumage of black and
white, long narrow tail, and pink bill. It is known to the
Boers as the Koning Rooibekje (King Red-bill). The breed-
ing habits of this bird have long been a mystery to ornith-
ologists, owing to the fact that it is a fairly common bird
in South Africa, and yet only one or two unsatisfactory
observations have been recorded. Mr. Austin Roberts, the
oologist and collector, thinks, however (Journal of the South
African Ornithologists’ Union, June, 1907), that he has
solved the problem. He considers the species parasitic, and
that they deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds,
chiefly species of the Estrildine.
The Shaft-tailed Widow-Bird (Vidua regia) is black above,
and yellowish below; the four centre tail-feathers being
lengthened and only webbed for the final 2 or 3 inches, the
rest of the shaft being bare. Length, 4} inches ; to end of
long tail-feathers, 12 inches.
124 BIRD ARCHITECTS
The Paradise Widow-Bird (Vidua paradisea) is also black
above with a collar round the neck, and breast bright chestnut-
red. Total length, 143 inches. Females of both these birds
are brownish birds streaked with blackish.
SUNBIRDS
The next group of Architects is the Sunbirds (Family
Nectariniidee), sometimes called Sugar-Birds by the Colonials,
and Zuikerbekjes (Sugar-mouths) by the Boers. They live
on nectar, pollen and insect life.
Perhaps the best known up-country species is the bright
metallic-green Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa), with
its yellow shoulder (pectoral) tufts, and long tail-feathers.
Length of male, 9 inches; female, 6 inches. This bird
changes to a dull brown colour during the winter months,
which is the garb of the female bird at all seasons. It is a
common species throughout South Africa, excepting Lower
Natal and Rhodesia, where it is scarce and local. In spring
the males may sometimes be heard indulging in a short,
’ soft song of full melodious notes.
It’ builds a large pear-shaped nest of gasas and fibres
bound with cobwebs and vegetable down, and lined with
hair and feathers, &c. The two eggs are of a pale brown
colour, closely marked with dots and blotches of dark
brown and greyish.
The Bifasciated Sunbird (C. martquensis) has the head,
neck, throat. and back metallic-green; below the throat
there is a narrow cross-band of steel-blue, succeeded by a
much broader one of dark red; rest of under surface black.
Length, 42 inches. This bird is not found in Cape Colony.
We observed it in pairs on the Crocodile River, north of the
Magaliesberg in the Pretoria district. It is common in the
Transvaal Zoological Gardens in March.
SUNBIBDS 125
Fie. 65.—Malachite Sunbird at nest.
126 BIRD ARCHITECTS
In this locality we found the White-breasted Sunbird
(C. leucogaster) by far the commoner species. Indeed, the
latter bird was seen in parties of three to six individuals
during the last week in December, 1906, exploring the
Fig. 66.—Double-collared Sunbird: female at nest.
native trees, then laden with fruit, for insects, and diligently
sucking the blossoms of a parasitic plant then in bloom.
In the Albany district of Cape Colony the commonest
species is the Greater Double-collared Sunbird (C. afer),
SUNBIRDS 127
easily distinguished by its larger size and by almost the whole
breast being bright scarlet, which is divided from the green
throat by a narrow band of steel-blue. Length, 5} inches.
It is a bird which may be found either in the bush-clothed
kloofs, the gardens and orchards, or more open bushy
stretches.
The nest is a somewhat circular structure with a domed
side entrance, and is either fixed to the end of a fairly short
mimosa twig, or suspended from a thin twig in a kloof.
On January 5 we took a very neat nest built in the centre
of a pendent bunch of ptylandsia, which is now in the
Transvaal Museum.
There is another common species, closely resembling the
foregoing in coloration, but is smaller (length, 5 inches), the
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird (C. chalybeus), which is not
so common as the larger bird in Albany, but at Port Alfred
the position is reversed, the smaller species being by far the
predominant one.
Both these “Collared” species lay grey eggs thickly
mottled with slate colour and brown, those of the latter
bird. being naturally smaller.
The Scarlet-chested Sunbird (C. gutturalts), in its plumage
of velvety-black, and scarlet chest and lower throat, is
perhaps one of the loveliest Sunbirds in South Africa. It
is common in Zululand and Natal, and at Warmbaths,
Transvaal.
The Black Sunbird (C. amethystinus) is of a velvety-black
with the crown of the head metallic-green, and the throat
and cheeks, shoulders, and upper tail-coverts metallic-
purplish-violet with a coppery sheen.
Like the Scarlet-chested Sunbird, this species is par-
ticularly fond of the bright red blossoms of the Kaffirboom
(Erythrina caffra). Its nest does not differ to any marked
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SUNBIRDS 129
extent from the other species, and the eggs arecream-coloured,
streaked and blotched with purple-brown and slate-grey.
It is not uncommon around Grahamstown, Cape Colony,
and in Johannesburg, Transvaal.
The Mouse-coloured Sunbird (C. verreaust) is, as its name
implies, of an ashy-brown colour below with pectoral tufts
of bright red. Its range is rather limited, being so far only
recorded from Kastern Cape Colony, Natal and Zululand.
In Albany it was formerly fairly common, but of late
years has become somewhat scarce. We were lucky enough
to take two nests on January 5, 1907, in a thickly wooded
kloof off Featherstone Valley, near Grahamstown. These
were both untidy-looking pendent structures of grass,
decorated all over with dead leaves stuck on with cobwebs
and lined with vegetable down and feathers. It is almost
invariably hung from a branch close to a krantz (cliff). The
eggs are so thickly mottled and blotched with chocolate-
and purplish-brown as to appear at first sight of a general
rich brown colour ; it is the prettiest of all the Sunbird eggs.
The Orange-breasted Sunbird (Anthobaphes violacea) is
metallic-purple on the chest and has the rest of the under
parts of an orange-yellow, the breast being tinged with red.
It is confined to Cape Colony, ranging as far west as Albany.
It breeds in winter, building an oval, dome-shaped nest in
a tuft of heath, and lays two eggs of a white ground, marked
with grey-brown.
The last representative of the family is the tiny Collared
Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris), which is green above and
yellow below, the yellow being separated from the green
throat by a band of violet.
We found them fairly common in the Albany kloofs
during January, 1907, and discovered several nests, which
K
130 BIRD ARCHITECTS
Fia. 68.—Male, female, and nest of Black Sunbird.
PENDULINE TITS 131
were like smaller editions of the Mouse-coloured Sunbird’s
nest, but they were invariably hung from a low branch
near to a water-rill. The eggs number two, and are of a
whitish colour thickly marked with greyish-brown.
The females of all the Sunbirds are much plainer and
duller coloured than their mates.
PENDULINE TITS
We next come to a family of birds, the Tits (Paride),
which contains in the genus Aigithalus two species of tiny
birds which may lay claim to being two of the neatest little
architects of thé avian world.
They will probably be more easily distinguished from one
another from the following extract of a diagnosis of Dr.
Sharpe’s in the Ibis for 1904 :—
A. Breast darker and dull ochreous; upper surface
dark ashy, dark olivaceus on the rump and
upper tail-coverts .........ccccsessccneseeeecseeseceeeeee AY. minutus.
B. Breast light sulphur-yellow, slightly darker in old
birds, light grey on head verging into light olive-
greenish, becoming more sulphur-yellow on the
rump and upper tail-coverts ......c.sscceseeseeeeers AG. smithit.
The first is confined to the Cape Colony south of the
Orange River, the second being the form inhabiting the
Transvaal, Mashonaland and Damaraland.
These dainty little birds, called Kappoc-vogel (meaning
cotton-wool bird) by the Boers, build a neatly woven nest
of the downy seed of plants (in sheep districts wool is utilised)
felted together into distinct layers, until a strong, cloth-like
structure of a domed shape with an opening at the side is
completed. This is quite rainproof and exceedingly warm
and cosy. Below the actual opening there is generally a
blind opening in the shape of a shallow pouch, which the
natives assert is used by the male as a roosting place. When
132 BIRD ARCHITECTS
the birds leave the nest they pinch the walls of the opening
together, and at a time when such is the case, the blind
opening would naturally act as a decoy to any marauding
snake or field-rat, which might be as good an explanation
as the one offered by the blacks.
The Penduline Tits lay from six to twelve tiny white eggs.
Photo. : Dr. Kirkman.
Fic. 69.—Nest of Cape Penduline Tit.
SWALLOWS
It will now be necessary to make a big jump so far as
classification is concerned and turn to the Family Hirun-
dinide (Swallows) whose nests of mud pellets are a familiar
enough sight to all.
SWALLOWS 133
The Rock Martin (Piyonoprocne fuligula) is a brown bird
with the tail-feathers, excepting the centre and two outer
ones, adorned by a circular white spot on the inner web.
Length, 52 inches.
Fie. 70.—Nest (top one) of White-throated Swallow.
Té is not found north of the Transvaal, nor in German
South-West Africa, but is otherwise fairly evenly distributed.
It builds an open half-cup-like nest against a rock or under
the eave of a house, of mud pellets, and lays three or
134 BIRD ARCHITECTS
four eggs of light cream spotted with various shades of
brown.
The European Swallow (H. rustica) does not breed in
South Africa, being a migrant from Europe, arriving here
between September to November, and departing again
during March or April. It is blue above and whitish below.
The throat and forehead are of a rufous colour.
Fic. 71.—Pearl-breasted Swallow on nest.
The White-throated Swallow (H. albigularis) is dark blue
above, except the forehead, which is reddish, below white
except a broad band of blue across the chest. It is at once
distinguishable from the European Swallow (which it rather
closely resembles) by its white throat. Length, 64 inches.
It is also a migrant, arriving about the same time as the
European Swallow—usually earlier—but breeds in South
SWALLOWS 135
Africa, making a cup-shaped nest of mud on a beam of an
outhouse, or under an overhanging bank or rock, and lays
three or four eggs of a white ground spotted with pinkish-
brown and yellowish.
The Pearl-breasted Swallow (H. dimidiata) is smaller than
the preceding species, and has no red on the forehead. It
builds a cup-shaped nest against a rock or wall.
The Larger Stripe-breasted Swallow (H. cucullata) and
its smaller congener (H. puella) are blue above and have
the head and rump of a brick-red colour: whitish below
streaked with brown shaft-stripes. The latter- bird differs
from the former in being smaller, the shaft-streaks being
broader and the lower back and rump being darker red.
Length, 72 inches.
Both construct mud nests of a globular shape with a
long entrance tunnel, the larger species preferring a beam
in an outhouse, or a skirting board on a verandah, whereas
the smaller bird usually places its smaller nest under an
overhanging rock. They lay pure white eggs.
The Red-breasted Swallow (H. semirufa) is easily recog-
nisable by its entire under surface being of a rich chestnut
colour.
It constructs a nest much like that of the Stripe-breasted
Swallow, and lays white eggs.
The Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera) is the last
representative of the family. It somewhat resembles the
Lesser Stripe-breasted Swallow in coloration, but has a
white chin, and pale reddish throat followed by a blackish
band with white spots; rest of under surface white, except
the vent regions, which are reddish.
This is a common bird in the Orange Free State, where
it usually builds in colonies against the walls of houses. At
Fic. 72.—Nest of Lesser Stripe-breasted Swallow. (Bird just
emerging.)
¥
Fic. 73 —Nest and eggs of Cisticola ruficapilla,
WARBLERS 137
Brandfort Station a large number of nests were usually to
be found clustered against the goods shed, but lately the
officials have taken exception to their presence and destroy
the nests as fast as they are built.
The nest is constructed of mud, and globular in shape, °
with an entrance hole near the top, and has no tunnel.
Eggs three in number, and white in coloration, speckled
and blotched with red-brown and purplish-black.
Photo. : R. Chambers.
Fic. 74.—Breeding Colony of Cliff Swallows.
All the Swallows are insect feeders, subsisting chiefly -
on flies, mosquitoes and the like.
WARBLERS
Amongst the members of the Family Sylviide there are
many unassuming, sombrely plumaged little birds possessed
of more than ordinary architectural skill.
First of all comes the Green-backed Bush-Warbler (Cama-
roptera olivacea), or Tailor-Bird, as it is appropriately called.
138 BIRD ARCHITECTS
in Grahamstown. It is olive-green on the upper parts,
except the crown of the head, which is grey, the latter bemg
also the colour of the under parts, excepting the centre of
the abdomen and under tail-coverts, which are white.
It inhabits the thick bush and forest regions, ranging
from George in the Cape Colony eastwards and northwards.
It constructs a neat purse- or semi-dome-shaped nest of
fibres and fern stems lined externally with moss and in-
ternally with vegetable down. It is situated in a low thick
bush, and has the leaves in the immediate vicinity of the
nest stitched to it with fine fibre-like flax from seed pods,
&c., and cobwebs. It lays three pure white eggs.
This Warbler is sometimes called the Bush-goat on account
of the plaintive goat-like call which the bird gives utter-
ance to.
The Crombec (Sylviella rufescens), known to the Boers as
the Stomp-stertje (Stump-tail), is ash-grey above and tawny-
buff below. Its range is extensive, the bird being found
throughout the Cape, to the Transvaal, Zululand, Mashona-
land and German South-West Africa. It frequents the
mimosa scrub, building a pretty pendent nest of dry stalks
and leaves, woven together with cobwebs, and lays two or
three white eggs with a ring of brown and purple spots
round the blunt end.
The Black-chested Wren-Warbler (Prinia flavicans) is
brown above, eyebrow, throat and cheeks white, under
surface light yellow, with a dark brown band across the
breast.
It builds a light, artistic, oval-shaped nest of fine grass,
beautifully woven, with a domed side entrance near the top,
lining it with white vegetable down. The eggs—usually
three in number—are pale bluish-green in colour, marked
HAMMERHEAD 139
with reddish-brown, but they vary considerably in colour,
like those of many of the Warblers.
The Cisticole (Grass Warblers) are a large group not
easily distinguished from one another by the tyro; they
build circular or oblong-shaped nests woven of grass, warmly
lined with down or wool, much after the style of the Widow-
Birds.
For more information on this extremely difficult group
we must refer the reader to the text-books.
HAMMERHEAD
We now come to the last species we will deal with in this
chapter, viz. the Hammerhead (Scopus umbretia), called
Hammerkop or Paddavanger (Frog-catcher) by the Boers.
In its characteristic brown garb, crested head and long
legs, it is a familiar figure along the shores of water-courses,
vieis and dams, where it may be found singly or in pairs
cutting its queer capers, or on the prowl for frogs and small
fish.
It constructs a huge nest of sticks and mud; first a
saucer-shaped foundation about 3 feet in diameter is built
of large sticks thrown together and cemented with mud,
either on a rock by the side of a stream, or more frequently
in the fork of a tree. Upon this foundation a circular dome-
shaped structure is erected, containing a round chamber
(sometimes two). It is a solid compact structure, with a
round entrance hole just large enough to admit the bird,
usually situated on the most inaccessible side. The top is
often decorated with old tins, rags, bits of plank, and we
have even found dead birds, old bits of skin, &&. Whether
this is to hide the real identity of the nest from above is
difficult to say. There is a large nest in a fork of a willow-
tree about 25 feet from the ground on the Dynamite Factory,
BIRD ARCHITECTS
140
2
*y0Ol @ UO 4saU PUB pRoyIeMUTeE]R—'G), ‘D1
TAAL
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ce F
HAMMERHEAD 14]
Modderfontein, which has been made use of year by year
for the last seven or eight years. This measures about
4 feet by 34 feet, and is sufficiently strong to bear easily the
weight of a fairly heavy man. The Hammerhead lays three
Fie. 76.—A pair of young Hammerheads.
or four eggs of a dull white, sonietimes marked with a few
pale brown blotches, which, however, may be stains. Eggs
may be looked for during the months of October and
November.
142 BIRD ARCHITECTS
Photo.: E. H. U. Draper. :
Fic. 77.—Nest of Hammerhead in a tree.
CHAPTER V
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
Tus is a large group presenting divers forms, and includes
some of the loveliest as well as some of the strangest of
South African -birds.
‘In this chapter are included all the dwellers of forest and
bush, excepting those that find a place under more special
headings, such as “ Friends of the Agriculturist,’”’ ‘‘ Bird
Architects,”’ &c.
CANARIES AND SEEDEATERS
To the group belong most of the Family Fringillide,
amongst which the majority of the native songsters are
found ; as these birds are perhaps of more general interest
than any other in the group, we will treat of them first.
It is quite a common belief amongst Europeans fresh
from the old countries that South Africa possesses no
song birds worthy the name. This is wholly incorrect, for
although there is no Skylark or Nightingale, South
Africa possesses quite an array of good songsters.
The first, and probably favourite songster of the Family
ig the Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis), the male of which is
of a greenish-yellow colour on its upper surface, with the
rump regions of a brighter yellow and the under surface of
a golden yellow. The female is browner on the back and
paler below. Length, 54 inches. It is a common resident
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
144
‘OO ‘UMOYsTARYVIH IeeU ‘ZjUIAONI_ ‘[oog sYJ, :SumoejoO—gy, ‘NLT
“wosqreqoy “Id.
oqoud
CANARIES AND SEEDEATERS 145
in- most districts of the Cape and Natal, but in the Orange
Free State and Transvaal it is uncommon and “local.”
This bird has a fine sustained song of sweet full notes, the
quality of which varies, however, in individual members.
It lives principally on weed seeds and insects, thus being
useful aswell as pretty and a songster. It builds a neat
little cup-shaped nest and lays three or four eggs of a very
Fie. 79.—Cape Canary at nest.
pale blue, streaked and spotted at the obtuse end, with
purple and reddish-brown.
It takes readily to confmement, being hardy and can be
bred in captivity ; it is in consequence much sought after
by the schoolboys of the Eastern Districts of the Cape, who
made a regular traffic in the catching and selling of
Canaries before the Wild Birds’ Protection Act of 1899
was in operation. [Unfortunately no clause was inserted
allowing the collection of birds for scientific purposes.]
This Act is largely due to the praiseworthy efforts of
L
146 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
the genial and sporting magistrate of Grahamstown, Mr.
Francis Graham.
The Large Yellow Seedeater (Serinus sulphuratus), the
Geel-seisje of the Boers, and “ Bully ” of the Colonial boys,
and its smaller congeners, the Kleine Seisjes (S. flaviventris
and S. marshalli), make handsome cage-birds in their greenish-
yellow and bright golden colours. The Northern form (S.
marshallt) is extremely common around Bloemfontein and
Brandfort in the Orange Free State, and it is a pretty
sight to see a small flock of these birds consisting of some
half-dozen males with a like number of their sombre-coloured
spouses flitting about amongst the mimosas at sunset.
Although not such a renowned songster as the Cape Canary,
it has a lively though simple song, and in its richly tinted
garb makes truly a charming cage-bird.
Another pretty little species is the Icterine Seedeater
(8. icterus), which is the common form in the Central Trans-
vaal, being fairly plentiful from the Modderfontein Dynamite
Factory through Irene and Pretoria to the “‘ Bushveld.” It
is lively, tame and of confiding habits, and has a charming
melodious song with full flute-like notes, hence it is often
caught and even exported over-sea as a cage-bird.
It is prettily marked in yellow, green and black. Its
conspicuous yellow eyebrow and yellow band on the forehead
is sufficient to distinguish it from the other species of the
genus. Hence the name by which it is commonly known in
the Pretoria District (viz. “‘ Yellow-eye’’). Length, 42 inches.
A vastly different bird is the sombre-plumaged White-
throated Seedeater (S. albigularts) called ‘‘ Dik-bek Seisje ”
or ‘“ Berg-seisje”’ by the Boers. It is of an ashy-brown
colour streaked on the back with darker brown. Fore cheeks,
CANARIES AND SEEDEATERS 147
throat and abdomen white. Length, 64 inches. It has a
loud musical song which is by some critics even preferred to
that of the Cape Canary.
Another good little songster is the Yellow-rumped Seed-
eater (or “ Black-throated,” as it is usually called—S.
angolensis), which is pale buffish-brown with a blackish
throat and yellow rump. Length, a little over 44 inches. It
is exceedingly common in the Brandfort and Kroonstad
Districts, Orange Free State, and Pretoria District,
Transvaal.
A favourite little song-bird is the dainty little Mountain
Canary (Alario alario), familiarly called the ‘‘ Black-head ”’
by the schoolboys of the Eastern Cape Colony. It thrives
readily in captivity, is of gentle habits, and inter-breeds
with the Cape and Common Canaries. It is essentially a
Cape Colonial bird, but ranges into Great Namaqualand,
and the Orange Free State as far north as Bloemfontein.
The males are of a chestnut-red above with part of the wing
and entire head black ; the sides of the neck and under surface
white excepting the throat and centre of breast which is
black, forming a “tie.” Length, about 44 to 42 inches.
It has a very sweet and softly modulated song. It builds
a neat cup-shaped nest in a low bush and lays from three to
five eggs of a pale blue-green colour, spotted at the large end
with red-brown.
A songster of no mean merit is the Streaky-headed Seed-
eater (Poltospiza gularis), a dull greyish-brown coloured bird
with a darker brown head striped with white on the crown.
Length, 6 inches. It is very common at Modderfontein, and
Irene, Transvaal, where they may be seen drinking in flocks
at eventide. It is largely a seedeater, but may sometimes
eat soft fruit, such as figs.
148 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
Amongst the Ploceide, Alaudide and Nectarinide, there
are songsters of various qualifications, but we will deal with
them under other headings.
Fic. 80.—Streaky-headed Seedeater at nest.
SPARROWS
The Sparrows are not a large group in South Africa ;
although useful at times, they are often very destructive.
First in order of classification comes the Diamond Sparrow
(Petronia superciliaris) bearing the most inappropriate name
SPARROWS 149
of ‘ Rock ” Sparrow in the text-books. Mr. Ivy informs me
it is fairly common in the Albany District, assembling in
small flocks amongst the high trees around Grahamstown
during the winter months. In summer it resorts to the high
Bushveld where it constantly affects the branches of de-
caying trees. In the Pretoria Bushveld it is also common
at times. As already stated, the name is a misnomer, as
they are true arboreal birds, seldom alighting on the ground
except when tempted by grain, which they readily eat,
although principally insectivorous birds. We have so far
only noticed it nesting in hollow trees or posts, and have not
found or heard of an authentic case of a nest being found in
a hole in a krantz or in a wall.
It devours a fairly large quantity of insects and weed
seeds, thus doing a certain amount of good to agriculture.
The Diamond Sparrow is a drabish-brown bird with a
broad - greyish eyebrow, and a yellow spot on the chest
which is bright and distinct in some individuals, more
obscure and paler in others. Length, 64 inches. It lays
three or four grey eggs mottled with slatey-brown.
The Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus), or Mossie as it is
called by the Colonial (Dutch and English alike), is the
South African equivalent of the English House Sparrow.
Tts habits are much the same, building as it does a large
untidy nest of grass and sticks lined with wool, feathers,
twine, or indeed anything soft and warm that comes handy.
The nest is placed in a bush, tree, gutter or pipe, under the
eaves or on a rafter. It lays three or four eggs of a pale
greyish-green or blue colour spotted and blotched with
various shades of brown; the eggs vary considerably in
size, shape and markings, some being almost black with the
profusion and darkness of the blotches, while others are
quite light owing to the scarcity and paleness of the mottling.
150 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
They eat almost anything and during the grain season do
quite an appreciable amount of damage in company with
their cousins, the Weaver-birds.
The Cape Sparrow’s range is fairly general in South Africa,
Fig. 81.—Diamond Sparrow near nest hole.
but only extends into the Coast Districts of the Eastern
Province of the Cape during the winter months ; their most
southerly nesting grounds seem to be the high veld at the
Great Fish River in the Albany Division.
BUNTINGS 151
The male differs from the female in his brighter tints and
black head, the female having a grey head with pale eyebrow.
Length, 6 inches.
There is alarger (length, 6} inches) and more robustly-built
species than either of the two preceding, viz. the Greater
South African Sparrow (Passer motitensis). This bird is pale
red-brown above streaked with black. Top of head grey.
Cheeks, sides of neck and under parts white, excepting the
throat and upper chest, which are black. -Length, 64 inches.
The female has the top of the head brown and only the
throat blackish. It is not known south of the Orange River.
In the Central and Northern Transvaal it is fairly common at
times, but is a scarce bird when compared with its audacious
brother above mentioned.
Another scarcer species is the Grey-headed Sparrow (P.
griseus) ranging from the northern and north-eastern districts
of the Cape, throughout the sub-continent. Both sexes
resemble the female of the Mossie in colour, but can be dis-
tinguished from this bird by its shriller call-note and dark
grey head without a light-coloured eyebrow. Its nidification
was first described by Major Sparrow in the Journal of the
South African Ornithologists’ Union, for July, 1905, and
subsequently by Austin Roberts, Journal of the South African
Ornithologists’ Union, June, 1906. The eggs are covered
with blackish-brown blotches and streaks.
BUNTINGS
The subfamily Emberizine is also a small group of birds,
but contains the handsome Golden-breasted Bunting (Embe-
riza flaviventris), which is fairly plentiful in the eastern
districts of the Cape and in the Pretoria Bushveld.
152 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
So far as our experience goes the nest is never placed on
the ground, but usually six to ten feet high in the fork of a
small tree—never in thick bush or kloofs. The eggs, four
in number, are white, with most beautiful scroll-like, wavy
lines, forming a wreath round the obtuse ends. The nest is
cup-shaped, composed of twigs and grass, and usually neatly
lined with long stiff hair or fibres. Its song is rather plaintive
Fie. 82.—Golden-breasted Bunting at nest.
and is somewhat similar to that of the European Yellow
Hammer. They feed principally on weed seeds.
The other members of the subfamily are not bush-birds, —
so we must treat of them under another heading.
STARLINGS
We next come to the Sturnide (Starlings), a fairly large
group, amongst which are several birds quite as destructive
STARLINGS 153
as useful, and here is also included the celebrated Wattled
Starling (one of the Locust Birds), which will be found
described amongst the agriculturist’s friends.
A common member of this family is the Red-shouldered
Glossy Starling (Lamprocolius phenicopterus), commonly
known as the Green Spreeuw in the Eastern Province of
Cape Colony. It is of a brilliant metallic glossy green, blue
and purple. Length, 104 inches. It inhabits the bushy
kloofs, usually laying four or five bluish-green eggs, spotted
with pale red-brown, in a hole in a tree. We found that the
soft, euphorbias are very often utilised by these birds as
nesting sites.
The true Green Spreeuw is confined to Cape Colony, it
being replaced in the Transvaal and Natal by a smaller sub-
species (LZ. p. bispecularis), which, in addition to being
smaller (length, 84 inches), has the back of a steel-green
colour instead of the oil-green tint which obtains in the larger
bird. They resemble one another in habits, bemg chiefly
frugivorous, but vary this with an occasional diet of insect
life.
The next species is the Green-headed Glossy Starling
(L. sycobius), which ranges from the Central Transvaal
northwards.
This bird is a little smaller than the lesser Green Spreeuw
(length, 8 inches), and has the head glossy oil-green, with a
coppery sheen in the sunlight. Its nesting habits are
similar to the preceding species, as are also its eggs.
The Black-bellied Glossy Starling (L. melanogaster) is the
last representative of the genus we will deal with, and is
immediately distinguishable by its dull black belly.
It ranges from Knysna, through Eastern Cape Colony
(where it is, however, not common), northwards to British
154 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
East Africa. In the Albany Division we found them nesting ;
the few eggs taken were invariably of a plain pale greenish-
blue, whereas Dr. Stark describes them as being spotted
with reddish-brown. It is, however, possible that they vary
occasionally, like those of the ordinary Spreo bicolor.
A superbly beautiful bird is the Plum-coloured Starling
(Cinnyricinclus leucogaster verreauat), the male of which has
the upper parts, head and upper chest a bright metallic
copper colour with purplish and violet reflections, the rest
of the under surface being white. The female is totally
different, being of a mottled brown.
This bird ranges from Natal, the Orange Free State and
Damaraland, through Zululand and the Transvaal to the
Congo on the West, and German East Africa on the East.
They feed chiefly on berries and insects. In the Pretoria
District along the Crocodile River, North of the Magaliesberg
Range we found them not uncommon, and also along the
Pienaars River Valley.
They nest during December in holes in trees, laying four
pale blue eggs spotted with pale brown.
ORIOLES
The Family Oriolide is represented in South Africa by
four species, one of which (Oriolus notatus), though coming
as far South as the Northern Transvaal, is scarce and little
Inown, while the other (O. auratus) has only recently been
added to the South African Fauna by Alexander, who met
with it in the Zambesi Valley.
Of the remaining two species, the Golden Oriole of Europe
(O. galbula) is a fairly scarce visitor to South Africa, being
recorded, amongst other places, from Pondoland, by Sergeant
Davies, C.M.R.; Damaraland by Andersson; Rustenburg
ORIOLES 155
Fia. 83.—Female and nest of Black-headed Oriole.
156 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
(Barratt); Irene (L. E. Taylor) and Hartebeest Poort
(Haagner), both the last being in the Pretoria District. It
is of a golden yellow colour with a black streak from the
bill to the eye. Length, 10 inches.
The last member of the family is the Black-headed Oriole
(0. larvatus), easily distinguished from the Golden Oriole by
its black head and throat. Length, 9$inches. This bird is
fairly common in the Albany and Bathurst Divisions of the
‘Eastern Province, where it is often known as the Yellow
Spreeuw. During the winter months it affects the neigh-
bourhood of gardens and populated areas, betaking itself in
September to the outskirts of the Bush and commencing to
build in October.
It constructs a cup-shaped nest of Ptylandsia (Old Man’s
Beard Moss), and generally deposits three eggs of a creamy
white ground sparsely marked with purplish-brown.
Mr. Ivy mentions that although usually very wild, one of
these birds once allowed a camera to be fixed to a bough
within a few feet from the nest on which it sat. It has full
flute-like notes which are very pleasant to the ear.
In the Central Transvaal it is scarce, appearing only as
“ partial migrants”; this is, however, accounted for by
its forest-loving disposition, natural forest being an unknown
quantity in the Witwatersrand area.
It feeds on berries, wild fruits, and insects and their larve.
WHITE-EYES
Turning to another Family of the Passeres—widely
separated as far as classification goes—we come to the
family Zosteropide, of which South Africa possesses four
species. We need only treat of the two commoner: Zoste-
rops virens (Green White-Eye) and Z. capensis (Cape White-
Hye).
WHITE-EYES 157
They frequent bushy country, living on the juices of
flowers, insects and fruit. The first named bird is grass
: Fic. 84.—Cape White-Eye at nest.
green above, whereas the latter is olive green. In addition
the Green White-eye is yellow underneath, while the “ Cape ”
bird is light brown, only the throat and under tail coverts
158 . DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
being yellow. They are immediately recognisable by the
white ring round the eye, which has given them their trivial
English name ‘‘ White-Eye ” and the Dutch ‘“ Kersoogie.”
In the Central Transvaal we found them especially fond
of the nectar of the ordinary eucalyptus flowers, and vy
destructive to ripe apricots and figs.
They build a small cup-shaped nest of fine material and
moss cemented together with cobweb, &c., and finely lined
with hair ; they lay four or five pale blue eggs.
TITS
The Tits (Paridw) are represented by six kinds, one of
which is, however, only a sub-species.
Fic. 85.—Black Tit at nest hole.
SHRIKES 159
The Black-breasted Tit (Parus afer) ranges through the
South-western and Central portions of Cape Colony, and has
the crown, throat, cheeks and centre of breast black, the
back brownish, and “the under-parts pale fawn; it is re-
placed north of the Orange River by the Grey Tit (P. cinera-
scens), which differs from the preceding species in being grey
both above and below.
The Black Tit (P. niger) is black all over except certain
wing feathers, &c., which are tipped with white. It is found
from the Eastern Cape Colony northwards to Mashonaland,
and thence Westward to Ngami, Damaraland, and Benquela.
The Black Tit is a noisy little fellow, whose call is a deep
churr-churr-churr. Its food is exclusively of an insectivor-
ous nature. It nests in small holes in trees, the nest being
composed of a few feathers, bits of moss, and cast snake
- sloughs. This bird is a favourite host of the Honey-guides.
The Tits usually nest in holes in trees, occasionally in
cavities in rocks, laying white eggs sparsely marked with
pale red.
SHRIKES
The Shrikes (Family Lande) are well represented in
South Africa by three sub-families with eleven genera.
The handsomest member of the family is perhaps the
Long-tailed Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus), in its garb of
glossy, black and pure white, and very long tail. Total
length, 15 to 18 inches, whereof the tail measures from 10 to
18 inches.
It is fairly common in the Transvaal Bushveld, doing a
great deal of good by devouring locusts, grasshoppers and
other insect-life. It builds a large rough cup-shaped nest
in a bush, and lays three or four eggs, generally of a creamy
pink colour marked with dots and streaks of various shades
of brown and grey.
160 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
The commonest and most widely distributed member of
the family is the ordinary Fiskal (Lanius collaris) whose
shambles is a well-known sight to every South African. One
may chance upon a mimosa tree which has been used by
one of these birds as a larder, and find impaled on its long
Fic. 86.—Fiskal Shrike on nest.
thorns grasshoppers, lizards, &.; a barbed wire fence is
often requisitioned nowadays to fill the office.
This bird is not liked by the aviculturist or canary-keeper,
as it is pugnacious, and has often been known to kill canaries
in their cages.
As another illustration of the total ignorance of the South
African populace as regards bird-life, the late Dr. Exton,
SHRIKES 161
whose name is well known to South African ornithologists,
told a-good story at a meeting of the Johannesburg Field
Naturalists’ Club, just prior to the Boer War. He said that
while residing in Bloemfontein, he was one day fetched by
a friend to shoot some bird that had killed one. of his canaries,
and on arrival at the friend’s house the latter pointed to a
pert specimen of the Fiskal coolly sitting on the railing and
said, “‘ Don’t shoot him—he is so tame, those are the brutes,”
and pointed to a couple of harmless Bulbuls which were
hopping about the branches of a tree.
The Fiskal Shrike builds rather a neat, cup-shaped nest
of weeds, grass, twine, &c., lmed with feathers, and lays
usually three eggs of a pale greeny tint, marked with pale
brown spots and purplish brown blotches on the thick
ends.
It is commonly known as the “ Jack-hanger”’ and
“Butcher-bird’” in the Cape, the “‘ Jacky-hangman” in
Natal, and the ‘‘ Lachsman”’ in the Transvaal. It is
brownish-black above with a white patch on the wing, and
white below. Length, 8 inches.
The Red-backed Shrike (Z. collurio) is a migrant from
Europe, and does not breed out here. It can easily be
recognised from the other Shrikes by its chestnut-coloured
back and pinkish under-parts. Length, 7 inches.
The Brubru Shrike (NV ilaus brubru) is of a glossy black and
white with a distinct frontal band across the’ forehead,
extending on either side of the head in the shape of a pro-
nounced white eyebrow running right on to the temporal
region of the head.
It is found from the Orange River northwards and lays
three to five eggs of a white ground colour spotted with
brown.
M
162 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
The sub-family Malaconotide contains some very well-
known birds, such as the Bush Shrikes (Telephonus).
The best known species is the Black-headed Bush Shrike
(T. senegalus), known to the Zulus as the “‘ Inqupan.” It
extends from Port Elizabeth eastwards to Zululand and the
Transvaal, and from Mashonaland to Northern Damara-
land.
Tt usually lays three eggs of a white ground colour marked
with pale purple and reddish-pink.
The Tchagra Bush Shrike (T. tchagra) is a little smaller
and differs also in having a rufous crown instead of the
black crown characteristic of T. senegalus. It lays three
eggs of a creamy white colour irregularly marked with pale
lavender and purplish-brown streaks, which are in some
specimens sparsely, in others thickly distributed.
Both these birds are beautiful whistlers—indeed, to such
an extent is this developed that one not accustomed to the
bird would mistake their call for the whistle of a human
being. They are fond of bushy country and are friends
of the agriculturist, devourmg large quantities of insects,
although they also eat berries and other vegetable matter.
A still smaller species is found in the Transvaal Bechuana-
land and Damaraland, extending to Angola and the Upper:
Zambesi Valley. This is the Three-streaked Bush Shrike
(T. australis). It is also a lover of bush country and was
recorded by Erikson as breeding on the Limpopo River in
December and near Lake Ngamiin March. A nest taken on -
New Year’s day, 1906, on the bank of the Crocodile River
three or four miles north of Hartebeest Poort in the Pretoria
District was a very neat little saucer of rootlets, and con-
tained three eggs of a pure white prettily marked with
reddish-brown spots.
SHRIKES 163
We next have the Puff-backed Shrikes (Dryoscopus), the
first representative of which is the true Puff-back (D. cubla),
the male being well known for the beautiful powder-puff
like patch of downy white feathers on the back, which the
-bird can erect at will. In Natal it is sometimes called the
Photo.: A. Haagner.
Fic. 87.—Nest and eggs of Three-streaked Bush Shrike.
~ “ Snowball Shrike.”” General colour, black above and. white
below. Length, 64 inches.
It builds a cup-shaped nest of rootlets and fibres, the
outside being composed of strips of the palm-like leaves of
a Dracena, thickly matted with spider webs, and is always
built round the fork or branch on which it is placed. The
eggs—three in number—are pinkish white, thickly speckled
in the obtuse ends with small dots of deep pinkish brown.
164 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
Fic. 88.—Puff-back Shrikes and nest.
SHRIKES 165
It is fairly common in the forest and bush regions from
Knysna to the Zambesi Valley, and across to Damaraland
and Southern Benguela.
The Greater Puff-back (D. ferrugineus) differs from the
first-mentioned species in its larger size, buffish under-parts
and orange-buff tinge on the rump. Its eggs are pale blue,
thickly speckled with reddish brown.
The two remaining species are but little known.
The last genus of the Sub-family is a large one com-
prising some ten species of Laniarius, the first of which
is the beautiful Crimson-breasted Shrike (DL. atrococcineus)
whose trivial name will easily serve to distinguish it. It
is black above with a white bar on the wing. Length,
8 inches.
It is fairly common in the bushveld north of Pretoria,
whence we obtained some good specimens. They are very
quick, and collecting them is often in consequence no easy
matter. Buckley records a nest taken on November 7,
built of soft dead reeds, containing three eggs of a white
ground colour, thickly spotted with light brown.
The commonest member of the genus is the well-known
Bakbakiri (Lamarius gutturalis), called by most Colonials
the “ Kokevic,” from its call. It is easily recognisable by
its yellow and green plumage and black chest-band. Length,
8% inches. The male and female are very fond of calling to
each other, their respective cries differing considerably.
Stark gives an excellent description of these in his “ Birds,”
vol. ii., ‘‘ Fauna of South Africa.”
The nest is like that of other Shrikes, and usually contains
three verditer blue eggs mottled with rusty red. It is also
an insect and worm feeder like the other members of the
166 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
family, and if it were not for the bird-killing propensities of
some of the members, we would not have had the slightest
Fic. 89.—Bakbakiri Shrike on its nest.
hesitation in including them under the chapter of “‘ Friends
of the Agriculturist.”
The next species is the beautiful Four-coloured Bush
Shrike (LZ. quadricolor), which is green above, and has the
cheeks and throat scarlet, followed by a broad band of black :
the remainder of the under-parts being yellow. Length, 74
inches. It is essentially an Eastern species ranging from
Natal to British East Africa.
SHRIKES - 167
They breed early in November, according to Millar, and
lay “‘ two or three pretty white eggs delicately marked with
grey-brown streaks and splashes, principally at the obtuse
end.”
The Ruddy-breasted Bush Shrike (L. rubiginosus) is olive-
green above with reddish-buff under-parts, excepting the
abdominal region which is whitish, faintly barred with grey.
Length, 7} inches. It ranges through the bush regions of
the Cape from George eastwards through Natal and Zulu-
land into the Transvaal, where Ayres procured it at Lyden-
burg, and C. H. Taylor at Amsterdam.
It constructs a shallow saucer-like nest of rootlets, &c.,
which is so slightly built that one can usually see the eggs
through it. These are of a very pale creamy-green, speckled
and blotched, chiefly at the obtuse end, with pale sienna and
pale purplish-slate.
It is a very shy bird and difficult to see, although its
_ beautiful call can be heard all through the summer months.
It nests during December and January.
The Olive Bush Shrike (Z. olivaceus) is like the preceding
species above, but is orange yellow on the breast going off
into yellowish on the abdomen.
The pretty little Orange-breasted Bush Shrike (L. sul-
phurevpectus) can be immediately distinguished by its
reddish-orange breast, and by the bright yellow of the
remainder of the under-parts. Top of head blue-grey. It
ranges as far south as Grahamstown on the east and Lake
Nyassa in the centre.
Alexander, who took its eggs on the Zambesi, records
them as three in number and of a greenish white spotted
and blotched at the larger end.
168 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
The Southern Grey-headed Bush Shrike (Malaconotus
hypopyrrhus) is a large bird of a greenish colour on the upper
surface, blue-grey head and yellow under-parts, the upper
chest has a band of tawny orange traversing it. Length, 92
inches. This bird ranges from Grahamstown in the Cape
through Natal to Zanzibar, East Africa. To the Cape Dutch
it is known as the Spook-vogel.
It is more like the Fiskal in its habits and pugnaciousness,
and like it this Bush Shrike attacks other birds.
The eggs, taken by H. Millar, were creamy marked with
grey and brown irregular spots.
The genus Nécator is represented within our limits by but
one species, the Zambesi Green Shrike (N. gularis), which
does not interest us further as it is scarce in South Africa,
although extending from the border of Somaliland to Zulu-
land, whence the Woodwards record it. Swynnerton found
it in Gazaland, while Sheppard took its eggs near Beira.
The genus Lanioturdus with also but one species does
not concern us either.
The last Sub-family, Prionopine, contains but two genera
with three species, Sigmodus retzti, S. tricolor, and Prionops
talacoma, which are all scarce birds within our limits.
BABBLERS
Of the Family Crateropodide our first genus is Crateropus
with five species, only two of which, however, need concern
us here. Jardine’s Babbler (C. jardinei) is a grey-brown
bird with streaky head and breast. Length, 9 inches. It
ranges from Central Natal and the Transvaal northwards to
the Zambesi. It is a noisy bird, its harsh chattering cry
BABBLERS 169
earning for it the Dutch name of “ Kakelaar”’ (chatterer).
It is common in the Pretoria district, residing even in
the Transvaal Zoological Gardens. It builds a cup-shaped
nest and lays blue eggs.
The Pied Babbler (C. bicolor) is white with blackish-brown
wings and tail. Like its congener above-mentioned, it is
fond of thick bush, is a noisy bird, and feeds upon insects,
worms, &¢c., which it searches for on the ground. It is fairly
common in the Pretoria Bushveld, whence the Transvaal
Zoological Gardens has received examples.
Our next genus under the heading of Bush birds is Andro-
Fie. 90.—Sombre Bulbul at nest. (Four Cuckoo eggs in nest besides
its own.)
padus, with two species, only one of which, the well-known
Sombre Bulbul (A. «mportunus), concerns us at present. It
170 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
is known to the Dutch as Bosch-vogel from its bush loving
habits, and is. fairly common in the bush districts of the
Cape. It is olive-green above and olive-grey below. Length,
84 inches.
Near Grahamstown, where it is known as the ‘‘ Pilawit,”’
it is one of the hosts of the Cuckoos (Coccystes jacobinus,
hypopinarius, serratus, and Cuculus clamosus). It nests
from November to January, building a small neat shallow
structure of beard moss and twigs, and lays two eggs of a
creamy grey ground, prettily marbled with very pale and
dark purplish-brown blotches. A nest taken on January 5,
in the Featherstone Valley, near Grahamstown, was built
at the extremity of a low branch overhanging the river, and
contained two of the Bulbul’s eggs, and one of Coccystes
serratus.
ROBINS
The commonest member of the Robin-Chats is the ‘“ Cape ”’
species (Cossypha caffra) called the Cape Robin or Jan Fredric
by the Colonials.
It ig olive-brown above, the rump region and tail (except
the two centre feathers) being rufous; a white eyebrow,
sides of face black ; throat and chest, and under tail coverts
bright rufous, the centre of abdomen whitish ; remainder of
under surface slate-grey. Length, 74 inches.
This bird is fairly generally distributed throughout South
Africa. It is of confiding habits, being fond of the neighbour-
hood of gardens and houses, where it is always on the search
for insects. It has a pleasant song. The Cape Robin builds
early in the Cape; its eggs may be looked for from the end
of August: in the Transvaal the best month is October.
The nest—cup-shaped, of roots and lined with hair—is
ROBINS 171
generally placed in a bush about 18 inches to 3 feet from the
ground, on the side of a tree trunk, of on a stump. The
eggs, usually three in number, are pale blue, thickly spotted |
Fic. 91.—Nest and eggs of Noisy Robin-Chat.
and blotched with pale rust colour : sometimes this mottling
is arranged in the shape of a wreath round the blunt end of
the egg.
The Noisy Robin-Chat (C. bicolor) is the Piet-myn-vrouw
in some of the Dutch districts, and the Mocking-Bird of the
Colonial boy. This species is conspicuously coloured, being
dark slaty-grey above and bright orange rufous, below ; ;
sides of face black. Length, 74 inches.
It is a fairly common bird in the bush country of the
Eastern Province; in the Grahamstown kloofs its musical
mitation of various bird-calls may often be heard. It will
172 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
imitate almost any bird-call, even the screech of the Crowned
Hawk Eagle.
It feeds chiefly on insects, varied by a few berries and
forest fruits.
Its nest—much like that of the preceding species—is
either situated on a rocky ledge on the side of a krantz (as
depicted in the photograph), or on a sloping tree trunk or
stump.
The eggs, generally three in number, vary from an olive
greenish-brown to a clear glossy russet-chocolate.
The Natal Robin-Chat (Cossypha natalensis) is blue-grey
above ; head orange-brown streaked with bluish ; nape and
rump orange-brown; upper tail-coverts chestnut ; entire
under-surface orange-red.
This species ranges from Durban to Mombasa in the East,
and from Benguela to Loango in the West.
It resembles the former bird in habits and nidification.
The Brown Robin-Chat (Cossypha signata) is chocolate-
brown above; a bar of white on the wing; a white eye-
brow, above which there is a black line; under-surface
white; throat, breast and sides of body ashy. Length, 7
inches.
This is a retiring bush-loving bird of the Eastern Cape
Colony and Natal.
In the Albany Kloofs it is not uncommon. The eggs are
greenish-white, covered with pink-grey blotches, chiefly at
the obtuse end.
The Black Bush Robin (Tarsiger silens) has the upper
parts black, except the wing, which is adorned with a white
patch; throat and under tail-coverts white; breast and
abdomen grey. The female has the black of the male
replaced by brown.
ROBINS 173
This bird is known as the Sacred Jackhanger to the
Colonial Schoolboy. The male bears a strong resemblance
to that of the Fiskal Shrike when on the wing, or flitting
Photo.: Hewitt Ivy. Biri dh
Fic. 92.—Female Black Bush Robin on nest.
about the trees. It builds a compact cup-shaped nest,
generally composed of bents of everlastings in a tree or
bush, and lays three eggs of a pale green indistinctly mottled
with pale rusty-brown.
Where this bird got the name it is known by in the text-
books (viz., Silent Bush Robin) is not quite clear, as it is
one of the noisiest of birds, being also an excellent mimic.
It is a true insect-feeder, and is more often placed amongst
the Flycatchers by present-day systematists, where it no
doubt more properly belongs.
id
174 _DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
Fie. 93.—Fork-tailed Drongo with nest and eggs.
DRONGO-SHRIKES 175
DRONGO-SHRIKES
The family Dicruride, Genus Dicrurus, contains two species
of Drongo Shrikes, called Bijvangers by the Boers.
They are both black birds, the Fort-tailed Drongo (Dicru-
rus afer), as its name indicates, having a pronounced forked-
tail, the plumage differing from the Square-tailed Drongo
(D. ludwigi) in bemg much more glossy, and pitch-black
throughout, whereas the latter bird has the lower surface
tinged with greyish. Former, 94 inches long; latter,
7 inches.
The Fork-tailed species is fairly generally distributed
throughout South Africa, excepting the neighbourhood of
Cape Town and the desert portion of North-Western Cape
Colony. It is very common in the “ Bush” regions of the
Hast Cape Colony, Natal and Transvaal. We found it
extremely so in the Albany kloofs, and along the Henndps
River near Irene, in the district of Pretoria.
It lives in pairs, the male pursuing any intruder of his
kind who invades the territory he claims as his own. It
has a shrill voice and is an excellent mimic. It has the
habit of sitting on some exposed branch, from which it
makes short darts into the air after insects, which form its
main article of food. Its inordinate fondness for bees has
earned for itself the vernacular name of Bijvanger (Bee-
catcher). It is also singularly attracted by a grass fire,
dashing through the smoke after insects.
It is extremely bold in defending its nest, and will fly
round one’s head when robbing the nest, approaching at
times near enough for its wings to brush against one. It
builds a light, though strong, saucer-shaped nest of rootlets
and twigs, usually situated near the extremity of a bough,
slung between two twigs. Its eggs, two to four in number,
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
A. D. Millar.
Photo. :
Fic. 94.—Nest of Square-tailed Drongo.
HORNBILLS 177
vary from a pure white to a creamy or salmon pink, sparingly
spotted with brown, pink or purplish. The photograph
depicts a nest on a hillside overlooking the Kowie River at
Port Alfred.
The Square-tail ranges from Pondoland (where it was
procured by Sergeant Davies, C.M.R.) to Portuguese East
Africa; the Eastern Transvaal and Rhodesia.
It is a shyer bird than its relative, keeping more to the
thicker bush, and is not attracted by grass fires.
It builds a more solid structure than the Fork-tail, lichen
forming the bulk of the material used, but the eggs do not
vary to the same extent as those of the afer.
HORNBILLS
Of the family of Hornbills (Bucerotide) two genera are
forest-loving birds, the first representative being the Trum-
peter Hornbill (Bycanistes buccinator). This bird is black
with a greenish sheen above ; the rump, upper tail-coverts
and lower breast white; the beak is ornamented with an
enormous casque, the upper edge of which almost reaches
to a level with the tip of the beak. Length, 26 to 27
inches.
The Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros melanoleucus) is the
best known member of the family in the bush districts of
the Cape, where it generally assembles in parties of from
six to twenty individuals during the winter months, visiting
the towns and feeding on late fruit and insects turned up
in the cultivation of ground.
They do an amount of good by feeding upon locusts and
caterpillars, but as they do some harm to fruit, especially
N
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
its forest home.
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Photo.: J. R. Ivy-
HORNBILLS 179
bananas, we have not included them under the heading of
friends of the farmer, although the good they do very
probably outweighs the harm.
Fic. 96.—Crowned Hornbill at nest hole.
The nidification of this bird is already a time-worn theme,
but we cannot refrain from giving the somewhat sad history
of the picture illustrating the species in this work.
Early one morning, when we were ready to take a photo-
graph at a nest hole which had been discovered, containing
young, we could not see the parent birds about, which was
strange, as we knew for certain that they had young ones.
180 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
After waiting a while one of the old birds appeared, and
perched close to the nest, then flew away screaming.
We got the camera into position by building a platform
of logs and stones, as the nest was about 8 feet above the
ground and just below it was a steep waterfall.
One of the party next picked up a dead young one amongst
the undergrowth below the nest, and we only then noticed
that a swarm of bees was issuing from and entering the
hole. After exercising a little patience we obtained the
desired snap, and then proceeded to cut away the tree-
trunk, after smoking out the bees. Some heavy labour with
an axe enabled us to effect an opening and the remaining:
young bird was extracted. The poor creature was much
swollen and red, the skin being one large blister, resulting
from the stings of the bees. It was dosed with ammonia
and recovered sufficiently to ravenously devour some fruit,
but it never entirely recovered, and died a few days
later. 3 ~
Some time afterwards we visited the nest and cut the tree
above and below the hole to see if there was any other
opening for the birds to enter, as the one seen in the photo-
graph was very small, being only 14 in. in diameter, neither
was it built up, as is usually the case. It is somewhat of
a mystery to us how the old birds entered that hole, as we
could not discover another entrance. If is most unusual
for them to leave the opening as it is, for they generally
build it up with excreta and a gummy substance; it is a
peculiar sight to watch them plastering it up—a ball of the
material is taken in the bill, rubbed on the wood, then
basted with the alternate sides of the flat beak.
They lay two to four eggs in December or January, which
are rough in texture and pure white in colour.
This Hornbill is commonly called the Toucan by Colonists,
and is dark brown above, and the head is mottled with
HORNBILLS 181
white; the throat, chest and sides of body dark grey and
rest of under parts white. Bill and casque red with a
yellow band at the base. Length, 21 to 23 inches.
Fia. 97.—Nest hole of Crowned Hornbill.
(To show plastering up of entrance, with slit left through which
to feed imprisoned female.)
The best known “ up-country ” species is the Red-billed
Hornbill (L. erythrorynchus), which has a grey head and is
dark brown above, with the wing feathers spotted with white
and the under parts white. It can easily be distinguished
182 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
from the foregoing species by the red beak being without
a casque. Length, 18 to 19 inches.
It ranges from the Transvaal to Rhodesia, and Portuguese
East Africa over to German South-West territory.
There is another species which is not uncommon from
Natal northwards to the Zambesi, the Yellow-billed Horn-
bill (LZ. leucomelas) which is immediately recognisable by its
yellow bill without a distinct casque. It is about the same
size as the preceding species.
TROGONS
Of the family Trogonide, South Africa possesses but
a single species, the beautiful Narina Trogon (Apaloderma
narina).
It is metallic green above and below as far as the chest,
the remainder of the under parts being bright crimson.
The female has the side of the head, throat and chest
of a yellow-brown instead of green. Length, about 114
inches.
It ranges from the Gamtoos River in the Cape through
Natal on the Hast to Southern Abyssinia, and reappears in
Angola on the West Coast.
It is a denizen of thick bush or forest where it sits quite
still or creeps about searching for the insects which forms
its chief article of food. It is a scarce bird and little is
known of its habits.
PLANTAIN-EATERS
The family Musophagide (Plantain-eaters) contains some
of the handsomest birds in South Africa, the best known of
which is the Knysna Plantain-eater or Common Lourie
PLANTAIN-EATERS 183
(Turacus corythaiz). It is too well known with its green
plumage, white-tipped crest and red and black wing feathers
to need any detailed description. Length, about 18 to 19
inches.
It is a thorough forest-loving species, frequenting the
wooded kloofs, where its loud hoarse croaking cry can be
heard morning and evening. It lives on wild fruits of various
kinds, and builds a flat nest of sticks from 6 to 16 feet above
the ground, and usually lays two eggs of a pure white colour
and rounded oval in shape. The peculiar part of the red
colouring matter of the wings is that it contains a large
amount of copper (about 7 per cent.), originally analysed by
Professor Church. A friend of ours, a chemist of the dyna-
mite factory, confirmed the copper content of the feathers,
but with regard to the theory that the red can be washed
out with soap and water, we are sorry to say we cannot
confirm this om toto. It certainly does get paler during wet
weather and in old skins, but we have never seen it wash out
in nature, and have tried to do so artificially with soap and
water, but without result.
This species ranges from George in the Cape Colony to
Lydenburg in the Transvaal. There is another species in
the northern portions of the sub-continent, Livingstone’s
Lourie, characterised by the crest being much lengthened
and pointed in front.
The Purple-crested Lourie (Gallirex porphyreolophus) is
the commoner species in the Northern Transvaal, ranging
from Natal to the Zambesi along the Eastern line. It has
the top of the head and crest glossy purple, lower back wings
and tail lilac blue. Length, about 17 inches. It is not un-
common in the Woodbush on the Great Letaba River in the
Zoutpansberg District, and has been procured at Nelspruit
by Mr. A. Duncan of Johannesburg.
. 98.—Knysna Plantain-eater or Lourie with nest and eggs.
PARROTS 185
The last representative of the family is a plain ashy-grey
bird (Chizaerhis concolor), the ‘‘ Go-away ” bird of English
Colonists, and ‘‘ Groote Muis-vogel ” (Big Mousebird) of the
Boers, which latter name ig very appropriate as it is very
much like an over-grown Mousebird. It has a long crest
of decomposed feathers. Length, about 18 inches.
It inhabits Central and Northern South Africa south-
wards to Zululand, but is not found in Natal, the Cape
Colony or Orange Free State. In the Pretoria District
along the Crocodile River, north of Hartebeest Poort, it
is fairly common, uttering its harsh cry of “ guay,
guay!” in the evening. It is rather wild in that
region, consequently not easily shot.
PARROTS
The Parrot Tribe (Psitiact) is very poorly represented
in South Africa.
The best known species is probably the Red-shouldered
Parrot (Poicephalus robustus), which is fairly dull coloured
and about the size of the ordinary Grey Parrot of talking
fame. The rump, upper tail coverts, lower breast and
belly are grass green, and there is a vermilion band round
the edge of the wing. Length, 134 to 14 inches.
It is found from Zuurberg in Cape Colony to Mashonaland.
In Eastern Cape Colony it is probably commonest in the
Pirie Forest, near Kingwilliamstown.
These birds are gregarious in habits and denizens of the
thick bush and forest tracts.
Brown-headed Parrot (P. fuscicollis), green all over except
the head and neck, which is grey tinged with yellowish.
Under wing-coverts yellow. Length, about 9 inches.
186 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
The little Meyer’s Parrot (P. meyert) in its brown and blue
plumage, with a yellow band on the head and a yellow edge
to the wing, is a fairly common bird in the Western Transvaal,
extending into Bechuanaland and Rhodesia. In the Pretoria
Bushveld, it is quite common, and feeds upon fruit, ground
nuts and certain seeds.
The little Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis rosetcollis) is
grass green with the forehead, side of face and throat rose-
red, rump regions cobalt blue. It extends from North-
Western Cape Colony to the Transvaal and Damaraland.
Length, about 64 inches.
Black-cheeked Lovebird (A. nigrigenis). In 1908 this
Parrakeet was not known to science, when Dr. A. H. B.
Kirkman, now of Queenstown, brought a couple of skins
down from North-West Rhodesia, and Mr. W. L. Sclater,
then Director of the South African Museum, deseribed it.
Since then several collections of live examples, numbering
thousands, have been brought down and exported oversea.
It breeds well in captivity and feeds upon seeds (principally
canary and grass) and greens. It is greenish in colour with
dark brown cheeks and a patch of orange-pink on the chest.
Length, 150 mm.
DOVES
The Doves (Order Columbee) are fairly numerous in South
Africa, being represented by two families containing fourteen
species in eight genera.
Doves are characterised by their short legs and peculiar
beaks, the basal portion of which is soft and pad-like, form-
ing what is called the “cere,” the rest of the beak being
hard and somewhat swollen towards the tip.
DOVES 187
The young are devoid of feathers and very weak and
helpless when hatched.
The first family (Treronide) contains the Green Fruit
- Pigeons, distinguished from the second family by the posses-
sion of fourteen tail feathers.
The Southern Green Fruit Pigeon (Vinago delalandit) is
of a general green colour, excepting a broad collar of drab
and the wing-quills, which are black; below the colour is
of a greyer tinge mottled with yellow on the abdominal
portion ; the “shoulder” is washed with pinkish. Length,
1 foot.
This bird extends from British East Africa southwards to
the forests of the Eastern Cape Colony. In the Albany
division it is decidedly uncommon, being, however, a little
more plentiful in Pondoland.
It is a partial migrant, its appearance and disappearance
being coincident with the ripening of forest fruits and
berries. It is especially fond of the wild fig, amongst the
branches of which the bird is very difficult of detection,
owing to the harmony existing between the coloration of
its plumage and that of the foliage.
The cry is a soft whistle and the flesh is tender and of a
delicate, flavour. It builds the usual dove-like type of nest
—a platform of sticks—and, according to Ayres, lays white
eggs.
The members of the second family (Columbidee) possess
only twelve tail-feathers.
The Speckled or Rock Pigeon (Columba pheonota) has the
head, neck, rump and tail slate-grey, back maroon; wings
slatey mottled with white, below slate-grey. The naked
188 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
skin round the eye and the legs red. Length, 18 to 14 inches.
It is found throughout South Africa, excepting Rhodesia.
This bird is called the Bosch-duif by the Boers, but is
more strictly speaking a rock-loving species, breeding on
krantzes (cliffs), or on the top of a wall in an out-building.
Fie. 99.—South African Speckled or Rock Pigeon.
The eggs are white, two in number, and may be looked for
during the months of August to March.
It does a considerable amount of damage to grain crops,
but is, on the other hand, of decided use in devouring insects,
including locusts and their young (voetgangers). It is about
the size of a tame pigeon and has a similar cooing call.
The Olive Pigeon (C. arquairiz) is slightly larger than the
preceding bird, and has a number of vernacular names.
It shares with the Speckled Pigeon the Boer cognomen of
Bosch-duif, and is also occasionally called the Oliven-duif.
DOVES 189
In Natal the Colonials term it the Black Pigeon, but in the
Eastern districts of the Cape it is generally known as the
Bush Pigeon.
The back is of a purplish shade, the lower half of the
wings being slate-coloured spotted with white; tail black ;
Fie. 100.—Olive Pigeon.
chin and throat pinkish; breast purplish spotted with white,
the purple shading into slate on the abdomen. Length,
154 inches.
It ranges from Knysna, in Cape Colony, to Zululand and
the Transvaal, but is only an inhabitant of forest and bush
country. In habits it resembles the Speckled Pigeon,
excepting that it builds in trees and lays greenish-white
eggs.
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
Fia. 101.—Speckled or Rock Pigeon.
DOVES 191
The Turtle-Doves are represented in South Africa by four
species and one subspecies, only one of which has no black
collar on the back of the neck.
The Red-eyed Dove (Turtur semitorquatus) has the. head
grey (cheeks and nape shaded with pink); above drabish-
brown, and below pinkish-grey, fading into whitish on the
chin and blue-grey on the flanks and belly. Bare skin round
the eye red. Length, about 13 inches.
Fie. 102.—Red-eyed Dove at nest.
This Dove is fairly common in the Eastern Districts of
the Cape, and the coastal portion of Natal. Although
found in Mashonaland, it has so far not been recorded from
the Transvaal.
The Cape Turtle-Dove (7. capicola) is a well-known and
192 DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
widely-distributed bird in South Africa. It is smaller than
the Red-eyed Dove, is without the red skin round the eye,
and has a black streak from the base of the bill to the eye.
Length, 11 inches.
It is known to the Boers as the Tortel-duif, and has a
pleasant cooing note which is very much in evidence towards
sunset. The somewhat harsh call of the Tutle-Dove is
described by some authors as monotonous, which we hardly
think is the opinion of Colonial-born men.
The Turtle-Doves feed on grain and seeds, and according
to Mr. Thomsen devour a fair proportion of voetgangers.
Their nests are frail platforms of sticks, and the eggs are
white and two in number, and may be searched for from
September to March.
The Laughing Dove (T. senegalensis) is smaller than the
Cape Turtle-Dove, and is without the black half collar on
the back of the neck; the feathers of the sides and front of
the neck with black bases and reddish tips forming a broad
indistinct dnd mottled collar. Length, about 10% inches.
Tt ranges from Egypt to Cape Town, and although common
in many districts is not so plentiful as captcola.
In habits this Dove resembles its Cape cousin, but has a
strange laughing sort of call-note. We took nests in the
Transvaal in November and April.
The Namaqua Dove (ina capensis), male, is well known
with its black head and upper breast, white belly, and long
tail; the female is without the black markings. The bird
is the smallest of the Doves, so far as the body is concerned.
It is of the same length, to the end of the longest tail-feather,
as the Laughing Dove.
It is fairly common throughout South Africa, excepting
the coast districts, where it is rarer and a migrant.
DOVES 193
It is also a grain and seed-eating bird, and builds a plat-
form-nest of twigs and rootlets, and lays white eggs.
The Tambourine Dove (Tympanistria tympanistria) has
the forehead, eyebrow, and entire under-surface white ;
above brown. Length, 82 inches.
This Dove is only found in the Bush districts of the South-
eastern portion of the sub-continent and the Zoutpansberg
and Lydenburg Districts of the Transvaal.
Its name is derived from its peculiar rattling call, “ coo
coo ”’ oft repeated.
It does not differ from the other species in nesting habits,
or food.
The Emerald-spotted Dove (Chalcopelia afra).is brownish
above, with two black bands on the rump, and pinkish
below; a steel-green or metallic blue spot on the wing.
Length, 84 inches.
It is also a bush-loving species, ranging from Worcester
through Knysna to Zululand, the Transvaal, and Rhodesia.
It may be found on the ground feeding on grass-weed
seeds in the neighbourhood of rivers or in clearings in the.
bush.
The Cinnamon Dove (Haplopelia larvaia) has the forehead
white, top of head, neck, and upper part of back metallic-
pink with greeny reflections; remainder of upper surface:
brownish ; chin whitish, breast pinkish, shading into cinna-
mon on the belly. Length, 12 inches.
It is an inhabitant of the forests of the Cape, ranging
from Knysna, Natal, and the Transvaal.
It feeds on berries and seeds which it picks up from the
ground, and nests in low trees and creepers, building a
O
DENIZENS OF THE FOREST
;
yi
|
4
Fic. 103,—Emerald-spotted Dove.
DOVES 195
rough platform of sticks, and lays two white eggs. In the
Albany kloofs it is a scarce bird, although we found a nest
on January 6, 1907, about six feet from the ground.
The Doves may, on the whole, be considered as the
farmers’ friends, as, although accused—often with justice
—of stealing ripening grain, and uprooting sprouting peas,
barley, and wheat, they do a large amount of good.
CHAPTER VI
ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
CROWS
Tue first member of the Family Corvide we already dealt
with in the opening chapter.
The Pied Crow (Corvus scapulatus) could also, with some
justice, have been included in the same chapter. It is
glossy black (with purplish and steely-blue reflections)
except the back of the head, sides of neck, upper back and
breast, which are white. Length, 18 inches.
The Dutch vernacular name, viz. Bonte Kraai is a transla-
tion of the English.
“It inhabits practically the whole of Africa south of the
Sahara Desert; in the sub-continent it is fairly generally
distributed, but is not found in the coastal portion of Natal.
This crow eats almost anything from offal and carrion
to shellfish, insects, and animal parasites, such as ticks, &c.
Its nest—usually a roughly-constructed saucer of sticks
lined with moss, wool and similar material—is either situated
on the ledge of a krantz or in a tree. Eggs from three to
six, of a bluish-green. ground colour, streaked and spotted
with various shades of brown.
The Black Crow (Corvus capensis) is of a general glossy
black colour. Length, 18 inches.
CROWS 197
This bird is somewhat local in distribution, being common
in some districts and not known or scarce in others.
We found them fairly plentiful in Albany, and not at all
scarce in the Central Transvaal.
During the winter months they congregate into family
parties, pairing off in October.
The nest is a cup-shaped structure of small branches,
Fie, 104.—Black Crow.
lined. with fine roots, fibres and hairs. Eggs usually three,
buffish-pink, spotted with reddish-brown and pink.
Its chief food consists of insects and grain. Like the Pied
Crow, it may often be found in the company of cattle. It
is not a particular friend of the farmers, owing to its habit
of pulling out and devouring the growing mealie seeds.
In the Albany Division we have found this bird to be
one of the hosts of the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Coccystes
glandarwus).
Fia. 105.—The Home of the Korhaans: a typical flat.
(Springbuck shooting.)
Photos: A. Haagner.
Fie, 106.—Aquatic Weeds on the Aapies River (Pretoria district) :
the home of the Warblers.
OXPECKERS—LARKS 199
OXPECKERS
The Oxpeckers (Buphagine) are a_sub-family of the
Sturnide or Starlings.
There are two species brown in coloration, easily dis-
tinguishable from one another by the following key of Dr.
Stark’s :-—
a. Bill more robust; yellow at the base, red
at the point. Inner web of tail-feather
TULOUS: ac sctncdcaessacssinecetnaenidassnesens sanuns Buphaga Africana.
b. Bill less robust; entirely red. Inner web
of tail-feathers dark brown ..............00 B. erythroryncha.
The latter is the commoner bird on the Natal coast, being
more local in the Transvaal. The former is the more
generally distributed bird of the two.
They are known to the farmers as Tick-Birds, on account
of their habit of climbing about cattle in search of the
- parasitic pests which infest them.
They nest in a natural hole in a tree, under the roof of a
house, or in a hole in a wall. Dr. Stark describes their eggs
as pale bluish-white, but Millar and Sparrow state that those
of the Red-billed Oxpecker are spotted with purplish-red.
LARKS
The members of the Family Alaudide are all more or less
inhabitants of the veld proper, ¢.e. open down country, and
the slopes and crests of low kopjes—and are not found in
forest tracts and the like.
They are easily distinguished from any other “ perching ”
birds (Passerine) by the rounded formation and scaling of
the hinder part of the leg (tarsus). The majority are difficult
of correct identification and concise description, being
usually of sombre coloration—of some shade of brown.
200 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
Of the Genus Pyrrhulauda, South Africa possesses three
Species.
(1) Dark-naped Lark (P. australis); with black ear-
coverts.
Fig. 107.—Rufous-headed Lark at nest.
(2) Grey-backed Lark (P. verticalis) ; ear-coverts white ;
back ashy grey.
(8) Chestnut-backed Lark (P. smithi) ; ear-coverts white ;
back dark chestnut.
LONGCLAWS 201
All three species have the under-side black.
They feed on seeds, and build their nests in a hollow under
a tuft of grass or small bush, laying three or four white eggs,
speckled and blotched with light brown.
They assemble into flocks during winter, pairing off to
build in the spring.
In the neighbourhood of Brandfort, Orange Free State,
we found the Chestnut-backed Lark fairly common in April,
1906, although it was still in pairs.
The Genus Mirafra contains a large number of species
which do not admit of any concise descriptions, conse-
quently, we have not the space at our disposal for the neces-
sary detailed account, and must-refer the reader to Stark
and Sclater, vol. ii., “‘ Birds” in the ‘‘ Fauna of South
Africa ”’ series, for a full account of the family. They
usually nest under a tuft of grass or other herbage, building
a cup-shaped structure in a slight depression in the soil.
We append a photograph of the Rufous-headed Lark (Mira-
fra rufipelia) taken near Springfontein, Orange Free
State.
LONGCLAWS
The next family is the Motacillide, containing three
genera of well-known birds in South Africa. The first of
these are the Longclaws (Macronyzx), of which this country
possesses three species easily distinguishable from one
another by their vernacular names.
The Orange-throated Longclaw (M. capensis) is fairly well
distributed over the higher veld of South Africa, excepting
the western territories. It is known as the Cut-throat Lark
or Kalkoenkje (little Turkey).
202 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
The next species is the Yellow-throated (M. croceus),
which is the commoner bird in low-lying districts, such as
Natal, Zululand, &. C. G. Davies, C.M.R., reports it as
searce in Pondoland, except near the Natal border, and we
have found it decidedly so in the Pretoria District, Transvaal,
notwithstanding what Barratt has written to the contrary.
The last species is the Pink-throated Longclaw (M.
amelice), which has, however, most of the underparts of a
pink colour in addition to the throat.
The Longelaws are inhabitants of grassy downlands,
where they build a cup-shaped nest of grass lined with finer
material and horsehair, placed in a hollow under a tuft of
grass or weed, and lay three or four cream-coloured eggs
marked with spots of different shades of brown and purplish.
PIPITS
The genus Anthus contains ten species, most of which
are sombre brown-plumaged birds.
The Tree Pipit (A. érivialis) is a migrant from Northern
and Central Europe and Western Siberia, where it breeds.
It was first recorded from the Transvaal by Wahlberg, and
recently by L. E. Taylor as far south as Irene.
The Cinnamon-backed Pipit (A. pyrrhonotus), the Lesser
Tawny Pipit (A. rufulus), the Vaal River Pipit (A. vaalensis),
are all brown birds of dull coloration, and not easy for the
tyro to distinguish from one another. They are called
“ Koesters ’ (meaning Duckers) by the Boers, from their
habits of ducking down or cowering in the grass. They
are denizens of the open veld, making a nest somewhat
similar to that of the Longclaws in much the same locality,
PIPIT 203
and usually lay three eggs of a sandy tint mottled with
reddish and purplish brown.
Our friend, Mr. L. E. Taylor, of Irene, had the honour of
adding a Central African species to the South African list,
viz., the Golden Pipit tae tenellus of Cabanis).
Fia. 108.—Tawny Pipit, nest and eggs.
That this truly Tropical bird, in its gaudy yellow and black
attire, should have wandered as far south as the South
Central Transvaal, is somewhat strange. The Journal fir
Ornithologie (organ of the German Ornithological Society)
for January, 1907, contains a coloured plate of the female
(till then undescribed) and wings of both sexes.
204 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
SECRETARY-BIRD
A prominent though not very common figure on the veld
is the Secretary-Bird (Serpentartus secretarius). It is a
well-known bird in its ashy-grey and black plumage; the
black quill-like feathers situated at the back of the head and
erectable at will give the bird its name of “ Secretary.”
This bird was formerly protected under a five pound fine
in the Cape Colony, but this has now been removed, we
believe, owing probably to a closer knowledge of the economy
of the Secretary-Bird.
It requires a considerable run before it can rise on the
wing, and seldom flies either high or far. We on one occasion
ran a bird down on horseback with a pack of greyhounds,
the bird running with the fleetness of an antelope, with
outstretched wings, occasionally rising in the air, but its
flight was of short duration, the bird invariably descending
and continuing its course on foot, using its wings as pro-
pellers. This alternate rising and settling kept on till the
bird was too tired to rise, and the dogs eventually brought
it to bay against a bank, where it pluckily defended itself
with wings and beak. Calling the dogs off, we let the bird
go on its way unmolested, having experienced the best run
with the hounds we had had that season, and the bird’s
staying powers having had the effect of putting our horses
into a foamy lather from head to foot.
The Secretary usually roosts in a mimosa tree at night,
where it also constructs its nest—a large shallow saucer of
sticks, lined with a few clods of roots, hair and wool, and
measuring from three to five feet in diameter.
The eggs are either plain bluish-white or marked with
brownish spots.
It stalks about the veld singly or in pairs, and feeds on
snakes, lizards, small tortoises, insects, and young birds,
SANDGROUSE 205
such as young larks, partridges, &c. The last-named diet
has earned for it the enmity of the sportsman, and although
the evidence of its feeding on young game birds seems con-
clusive enough, we are not prepared to state to what degree
this is developed.
SANDGROUSE
The Sandgrouse (Family Pteroclidw) are represented in
South Africa by four species falling under two genera. They
are characterised by a small beak devoid of a cere, and the
legs are feathered to the junction with the toes.
There are three species of Pierocles which are immediately
distinguishable from the single member of the genus Ptero-
clurus by the tail-feathers being rounded, whereas the
latter bird has:the two centre feathers pointed and projecting
beyond the other. They lay two or three eggs on the bare
ground, where the protective coloration of the eggs renders
them difficult of detection.
The Variegated Sandgrouse (Pierocles variegatus), called
the Geele Patrijs (Yellow Partridge) by the Boers, can easily
be recognised by the small rounded spots of white which
adorn the back and breast. Length, 94 inches.
It is not found South of the Orange River nor West of
the Western Transvaal.
The Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (P. gutturalis) the Nacht
Patrijs (Night Partridge) of the Boers, is without the white
spotting characteristic of the first species, but has the under
tail-coverts of a plain dark chestnut, which renders it easily
recognisable from the following species which has the under
tail-coverts thickly barred with black. Length, 11 inches.
This bird ranges from Little Namaqualand to the Central
Transvaal.
206 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
The Double-banded Sandgrouse (P. bicinctus) has the
forehead and a band across the fore part of the head white,
divided by a black stripe; and has the additional charac-
teristic above mentioned of the barred tail-coverts. Length,
9 inches. It was very common in the Pretoria Bushveld
during November, and December of last year.
The Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pieroclurus namaqua) needs no
further description than the attenuated centre tail-feathers.
Length, 11} inches. The Boers call it the Namaqua Patrijs,
while the English Colonials call it the Namaqua Partridge.
It is commoner and more generally distributed in South
Africa than any of the other species. It is particularly
common in the dryer portions of the Cape where the bird’s
plumage harmonises with the scrub and sand of its karroo
home.
The Sandgrouse are partly migratory in habits and live
chiefly on weed seeds and grain.
They fly in flocks at sunrise and sunset to the nearest
water, being very thirsty animals.
FRANCOLINS
The Francolins (Family Phasiandie) are known to the
Colonials as Pheasants and Partridges, and to the Boers
as Patrijse.
There are two genera of Francolins :—
(a) Head, neck and throat covered with feathers .... Francolinus.
(b) Head and neck feathered, throat bare ............ Pternistes.
To the former belong the “‘ Partridges ’”’ and to the latter
the “ Pheasants,” numbering thirteen species all told. The
members of this family are not easy of concise description,
and we must refer the reader for detailed information to
the excellent Vol. IV. of the “ Birds” in Sclater’s “ Fauna
FRANCOLINS 207°
of South Africa,” or to C. G. Davies’ lovely plates in Major
Horsbrugh’s book on “ South African Gamebirds.”
The Francolins—apart from their economic value as food
for man—are of great utility to the farmer on account of
their seed and insect eating propensities.
Fia. 109.—Orange River Francolin chicks hatching out.
They are fond of digging for small bulbs and roots, and
from this the idea of the Boers that they are detrimental to
potato crops probably originates ; they bear in consequence
no love for the Francolins, accusing them of stealing mealies,
potatoes, &c. More than one farmer has told us that he
destroys all nests discovered, and all the arguments in defence
208 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
of our little feathered friends could not bring these self-
opinionated old Dutchmen to see the error of their
ways.
Mr. Thomsen, the Chief Locust Officer of the Transvaal,
says they are invaluable in the destruction of locusts, as
they not only feed on voetgangers, but scratch up and eat
countless locust-eges. ,
In the Cape Colony the two best known species are the
Cape Redwing (Francolinus levaillanti), and the Grey-wing
or Cape Partridge (F. africanus). The latter bird, known to
the Boers as the Beg Patrijs (Mountain Partridge), is also
found north of the Orange River. North of this dividing
line the Cape Redwing is replaced by the closely allied
Orange River Francolin (Ff. gariepensis), known to the
Boers as the Rooivlerk Patrijs. This bird is fairly common
along the rocky ridges in the Orange River Colony, and the
accompanying photograph was taken at Springfontein,
where the bird is plentiful.
Their noisy call—so exhilarating to the sportsman—may
very frequently be heard at sunset amongst the long grass
and stunted scrub on the crests of low stone koppjes, its
favourite locality at that hour. It may also be found in
the thick mimosa-bush scrub which fringes the spruits and
water-courses, where it adds considerably to the “ bag” of
a day’s “shoot.” It rises suddenly and flies with great
rapidity, consequently shooting it in the thick bush is no
easy matter. :
It makes its nest in a depression in the ground under a
tuft of grass, herbage, or ripening grain-stalks, and lays five
to nine eggs of a dark fawn colour spotted with brown.
The second genus (Pierntstes) contains three species of
purely bush-loving birds easily recognised by the bright
red bare skin round the eye and on the throat.
FRANCOLINS
Fia. 110.—Cape Redwing Francolin at nest.
P
210 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
The Southern species may be known as the Cape Red-
necked Francolin (P. nudicollis), ranging as far north as
Lydenburg in the Transvaal, and differing from the northern
form (P. swainsont) by having the feathers of the breast and
belly with white centres.
They are found in thick bush, where they take refuge in
a tree when flushed. They nest under a tuft of grass beneath
a bush or tree, and lay from six to eight eggs.
CRANES
The members of the Family Gruide are true ornaments
of the veld, being stately birds, represented in the sub-
continent by three conspicuous species.
The Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) is slate-
black on the back, with the wing and tail-feathers black ;
top of head dark slate; cheeks and neck white; entire
under-surface black. The face is covered with warts from
the base of the beak to the eyes, while below the throat
there are two pendent lappets, bare in front but feathered
on the hinder surface. Length, 56 inches.
It is not a common bird anywhere, and is generally seen
in pairs or small parties on the open veld near marshy
localities, or in the neighbourhood of dams or vleis.
It feeds on frogs and insects, varied by an occasional meal
of grain.
The eggs are pale olive-brown, lightly marked with darker.
The Blue or Stanley Crane (Anthropoides paradisea) is a
much commoner and better known species. It is of a pale
blue-grey colour throughout, excepting the crown of the
head, which is white, and the apical portion of the secon-
daries, which are black. Length, 48 inches.
It is confined to South Africa; we found it particularly
‘ouvig Agtuezg 10 enf_{— TIT “OL
211
CRANES
212 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
plentiful on the “‘ flats”’ of the Orange Free State, in the
Brandfort and Winburg districts, and in the Central Trans-
vaal at certain seasons.
It feeds on a variety of substances, including locusts and
other insects, small reptiles, and the like.
It congregates into flocks during the winter months,
separating into pairs in the breeding season.
It lays two large pale-brown eggs (with sometimes a
greenish tinge), spotted and blotched with purplish and dark
brown, and generally about 34 inches in length.
The young, when unfledged, bear quite a singular resem-
blance to young Ostrich chicks. These become very tame
in captivity, and may often be seen stalking about the
farmyards of the Boers.
The Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), known also by
the vernacular names of ‘‘ Kaffir Crane’ and “‘ Mahem,”’ is
easy of recognition in its slate, white and black plumage,
velvety black crown, ornamented by a large crest of pale-
yellowish bristles, and the patches of naked red and white
skin on the cheeks. Length, about 40 inches.
It ranges from the Eastern Cape Colony to Rhodesia,
and over to the northern portion of German South-West
Africa.
Like the Blue Crane, the Mahem assembles into flocks
during the winter, and pairs off to breed in the summer. It
prefers the open veld, but is seldom found far from moist
localities, such as vleis or rivers, where it seeks its food,
consisting of frogs and lizards, locusts and other insects. .
Unlike its congener, the Blue Crane, it breeds in a swamp
or vlei, constructing its nest of reeds, rushes, &c., just above
the surface of the water, and lays two eggs of a bluish-white
colour.
BUSTARDS 213
BUSTARDS
The Korhaans (Family Otidide) are fairly numerous in
South Africa, twelve species being found within our limits.
The male of the Black Korhaan (Otis afra) has the crown
ashy and ear-coverts white; rest of head, neck and under
parts black ; wing black with a white band.
This bird is confined to the Cape Colony, being replaced
north of the Orange River by the White-quilled Korhaan
(O. afroides), which closely resembles the foregoing bird,
but has the primary wing-feathers white on the inner web,
only the tips being black ; quills white below, whereas they
are black in afra. The females of both species are without
the black and white variegations. The White-quilled species
ranges from the Northern Cape Colony to the Transvaal.
Length of both species about 21 inches.
Both birds are usually found in pairs on the flats, where
their harsh croaking call may be heard at almost any time
of the day. They are not easily located in the grass except
when the male protrudes his black head above the level
of the grass ; when flushed he flies up with a loud cackle ;
they afford good sport and are good eating.
The Vaal Korhaan (0. vigorsi) is ashy-grey above, shaded
with pink and speckled with dark brown ; below paler with
a beautiful pink sheen, which is seldom seen in the prepared
skin, as it fades after death. Length, 24 inches.
The White-necked Paauw (Otis ludwigit) is larger than
any of the Korhaans, and is distinguished from the Stanley
Paauw (0. caffra) by the arrow-shaped markings of yellowish
on the back, and by the mottled buff cross bands on the
tail; the latter bird is without the arrow-shaped spots of
sandy buff, and has the tail cross-barred with white. The
214 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
former bird is also smaller, being about 40 inches long to
the latter’s 43 inches.
In the Brandfort district, Orange Free State, the latter
is fairly common, being found on the flats singly or in parties
of three to seven individuals. When disturbed they fly up
with a loud croaking call quite unlike that of the Korhaans.
Photo.: Horsbrugh.
Fie. 112.—Blue Korhaans.
The Black-bellied Korhaan (Otis melanogaster) is easily
distinguished by the characteristic indicated by its trivial
name, viz. the black under-parts. Length, about 21 inches.
BUSTARDS 215
It is not common anywhere, ranging from Hast London
to Rhodesia. Mr. Claude Taylor procured it in the Transvaal
in the Zoutpansberg district, and on the Swaziland border.
The Blue Korhaan (Otis coerulescens) is easily recognised
by the slatey-blue colour of the back of the head, neck, and
under-surface of the body. Length, about 224 inches.
It is considerably larger than the Black Korhaan, and is
delicious eating.
It is not exactly plentiful in the Orange Free State,
but the writer met with it in the neighbourhood of Bloem-
fontem, Brandfort, Lindley, Windburg and Kroonstad.
It is perhaps commonest in the latter district, where it may
be found going about in pairs or parties of three to five
individuals. |
We found them exceedingly common on the veld near the
Aapies River just north of Waterval North in the Pretoria
District ; they were, however, anything but tame.
Barrows Korhaan (Ot¢s borrovit) can be distinguished from
the preceding bird by the patches of tawny on either side
of the chest and the white abdomen. Length, 21 inches.
According to Butler, this is the commonest species in
Upper Natal.
The last and largest of the Bustards is the stately Gom
Paauw or Kori Bustard (Otis kort), which has a total length
of nearly 5 feet, and weighs about 80 lbs. It has a black
crown with lengthened feathers forming a conspicuous crest ;
below white, with a band of dark brown across the chest.
Length, 58 inches.
This bird derived its Boer name from its supposed fondness
for the gum which exudes from the bark of the mimosa tree.
216 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
It is fairly evenly distributed over South Africa, but it is
nowhere common.
All the Bustards lay two eggs, of some shade of pale brown
blotched with darker, on the bare veld in a mere depression
in the ground.
They are for the most part insect-feeders, varying this by
a fow berries, a little grain, and weed seeds.
Apart from their economic value as food, they do an
immense amount of good by devouring termites and locusts,
and as such should be prohibited from being sold in the game
shops.
DIKKOPS
The Family Gidicnemid# is represented in South Africa
by two somewhat similar species. The largest of the two,
the Bush Dikkop (Gidicnemus capensis) is pale brownish
above mottled with black; breast sandy-coloured fading
into white on the belly. Legs and feet yellow. Length,
184 inches ; wing, 9 inches.
It inhabits the open thorn scrub, finding its way occa-
sionally on to the flats, but seldom wandering far from the
‘bush ” localities. It may be found in small parties during
the winter months, but pairs off in the breeding season.
It feeds chiefly on various insects and seeds. It has
a loud plaintive call which may often be heard on bright
moonlight nights, a fact which has earned for them the
name of Moonbirds in some districts.
Its flesh is excellent eating, and the bird forms no mean
item in the sportsman’s bag, both in the scrub of the Orange
Free State veld and in the plantations along the Rand.
It lays two eggs of a greyish colour spotted and blotched
with dark and light brown, and measuring about 2 inches by
DIKKOPS 217
14 inches ; these are deposited in a mere depression in the
ground. y
Fig. 113.—Cape Dikkop’s eggs.
The Water Dikkop (Gi. vermiculatus) is slightly smaller
than the Bush Dikkop, and has the back vermiculated
with dusky feathers with black shaft streaks. Under-
surface much like that of the first-mentioned species. The
legs and feet are greenish-slate, which in itself is quite
sufficient to distinguish this bird from the other ee
Length, 15$ inches ; wing, 8 inches.
The Water Dikkop is fairly common in the neighbourhood
218 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
of some of the vieis in the Brandfort and Winburg
districts of the Orange Free State.
Fig. 114—Water Dikkop.
The eggs resemble those of the Bush Dikkop, but are a
little smaller.
COURSERS 219
COURSERS
The Coursers are included in the Family Glariolide by
Mr. Sclater, and form a separate Sub-family, the Cursorine,
the second Sub-family being the Glariolinw containing the
Pratincoles or Locust-Birds, which were dealt with in the
Second Chapter.
There are five varieties of Coursers in South Africa, birds
called “‘ Draverkies ” (lit. Trotters) by the Boers.
They have long legs, no hind toe, long pointed wings and
a short square tail.
Fie. 115.—Rufous Courser, with egg.
The Rufous Courser (Cursorius rufus) is reddish-brown
above, back of head slate-blue surrounded by a U-shaped
edging of white which springs from above the eye, and
runs between two black lines. Breast similar to the back,
220 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
with a black patch on. the lower portion, rest of under-
parts white. Length, 8} inches.
This species ranges from the high veld of the Cape through-
out South Africa to the Limpopo. It is very common on
the flats of the Orange Free State, where it may be found
in flocks or small parties, often consorting with the Two-
banded Courser. It is exceedingly partial to the burnt
stretches of veld, where it feeds on seeds and insects. It is
excessively fond of termites and ants, and it is only necessary
to break open an ant-heap to trap any number of them, a
plan commonly practised by the Barolong boys in the
Maroka district. It runs rapidly, rising when disturbed
with a guttural cry of ‘‘ kek-kek, kek-kek.”
It lays two eggs, of a pale yellowish-brown thickly spotted
and streaked with black and dark brown, in a mere depression
in the soil. Eggs may be looked for from the middle of
September to November.
_ The Black-winged Courser (C. temminckt) differs from
the Rufous Courser in having the whole crown chestnut-
rufous (no blue hinder portion) and its darker wings. It
is somewhat scarce and a migratory visitant. It is sometimes
found consorting with Burchell’s Courser. The young of both
species are mottled above.
The second genus (Rhinoptilus) contains three species, only
one of which is comparatively common.
The Two-banded Courser (R. africanus) can be readily
distinguished from the two previous species by the spotted
appearance of the upper surface, and the two black bands
across the chest. Length, 9 inches.
It ranges from the Cape Karroo to the Transvaal and
German South-West Africa. It is much like the Rufous
PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS 221
Courser in habits, and, as already stated, they may often
be found in one another’s company.
We discovered it to be fairly common in the Maroka ‘and
Brandfort districts of the Orange Free State. It is never
found in such. large parties as the Rufous Courser, being
usually in pairs or fours.
It lays on the bare ground a single egg, which is pale
yellow streaked with yellowish-brown.
Two more species are found in South Africa, but they
are uncommon, although one, the Bronze-winged Courser
(R. chalcopterus), has repeatedly been seen in the Pretoria
district of late. Its chief characterisitic, the beautiful
metallic purplish spots at the end of the flight feathers, is
sufficient to distinguish it.
PLOYERS AND LAPWINGS
Only a few members of the Family Charadride can, with
justice, be termed ‘“‘ ornaments of the veld,” the greater
number being water-loving birds, which will be found in
another chapter.
The Blacksmith Plover (Hoplopterus armatus) has the
fore part of the head, base of neck, sides of body, abdomen,
upper and under tail-coverts white; wings grey; rest of
plumage black. Length, 12 inches.
Tt ranges from the Central Cape Colony to the Zambesi.
It is seldom found far from water, frequenting the neigh-
bourhood of swamps and vleis. In the Orange Free
State it is not uncommon near the dams and vleis, where
_ its peculiar metallic call (from which its trivial name is
derived) may often be heard during the day or on moonlight
nights.
222 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
It lays two to four eggs of a pale yellowish colour, thickly
speckled with black.
The Blacksmith Plover feeds on worms, insects, snails
and similar animal matter, thus being of practical benefit
to the farmer.
The Crowned Lapwing (Stephanibyx coronatus), called by
the Boers the Kivietji, is too well known to require much of
a description. Its black head adorned with a white V-
shaped mark, long red legs and pale drabish-brown back
will serve to distinguish it from the other plovers. Length,
12 inches.
It is distributed throughout South Africa except the
Natal littoral. It is an exceedingly common bird on the
flats of the Orange Free State, where it usually congre-
gates into flocks of varying number. It affords good sport
when hunted with a dog, circling in the air above the canine,
and giving vent to loud plaintive cries. Its characteristic
call is truly typical of the veld, and is well known to every
South African sportsman. It may also often be heard on
moonlight nights.
It is a good friend of the farmer, feeding on insects of
various kinds and weed seeds. The flesh is palatable.
It lays its eggs—usually three in number and of a yellowish-
brown colour blotched with dark and purplish-brown—in_a
slight hollow on the ground.
The Black-winged Plover (S. melanopterus) has the front
of the crown white and the hinder portion slate-coloured.
Length, 103 inches.
Although fairly widely distributed, it is not a very common
bird. Like the Crowned Lapwing and the Coursers, it is
very partial to burnt stretches of veld, where it usually nests,
laying its three or four eggs in a depression in the soil ;_ they
PLOVERS LAPWINGS
Fia. 116.—Crowned Lapwing at nest.
224 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
are very bold in defending their eggs. These may be searched
for during the months of August to October, and do not
differ very much from those of the Crowned Lapwing.
Fia. 117.—Black-winged Plover and eggs.
OSTRICH
The last bird which may be included in this chapter is the
well-known and long domesticated Ostrich (Struthto australis).
This enormous member of the Avian race is included in the
separate sub-class, the Ratitae, possessing no keel to the
sternum or breast-bone. The Ostriches form the Family
Struthionidw, of which the African Continent possesses
several species.
OSTRICH 225
In the old “‘ voortrekker ” and Pioneer days, the Ostrich
roamed over the veld in a perfectly wild state, in company
Fig. 118.—Female Ostrich on its eggs.
Photo.: R. H. Ivy.
with the Gnus and Antelopes, but since about 1870 it has
been domesticated and farmed like cattle, its feathers forming
Q
226 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD
a lucrative article of commerce. In some portions of the
Transvaal, Rhodesia, Bechuanaland and Portuguese Hast
Africa troops of wild birds still exist, and it is to be hoped
that steps will be taken to preserve these as much as possible
It lays large straw-coloured eggs, the shell being pitted
with tiny pores.
During the year 1904, 470,381 lbs. of feathers valued at
£1,C58,988 were exported from Cape Colony.
Several serious diseases have been developed in the
Ostrich and its feathers; these important matters are re-
ceiving the close attention of Dr. Duerden, Professor of
Zoology, Rhodes University College, Grahamstown, to
whose interesting papers in the Cape Agricultural Journal
and Proceedings of the South African Association for Advance-
ment of Science we must direct the reader for full particulars.
Dr. Duerden’s work is such as to earn the gratitude of all
South Africa.
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CHAPTER VII
THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
KINGFISHERS
Tue Kingfishers form the Family Alcedinide, with five
genera.. They are nearly always found in the neighbourhood
of water of some description, and nest in holes tunnelled in
banks and lay shiny white eggs.
The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is of a general mottled
black and white plumage; crown crested; a white collar
on the nape of the neck ; the under-parts white with, in the
case of the male bird, two black bands across the chest,
the female possessing but one. Length, about 114 inches.
This bird is found throughout South Africa. We met
with it at Port Alfred (exceedingly common), Grahamstown
(fairly common), Beaufort district, Modder and Valsch
Rivers, O.F.8., Modderfontein, Irene, Crocodile and Aapies
River, Pretoria district, Tvl.
At Port Alfred it is quite common on the beach, where it
may even be seen fishing in the sea. It procures its food by
hovering over the water and diving headlong, being often
completely submerged. Besides fish it feeds on frogs and
crustacea.
The Giant Kingfisher (Ceryle maxima)—called the Groote
Vischvanger by the Dutch—is the largest member of the
family in South Africa, with a total length of about 17
inches. It is black and white above, the white taking the
form of circular spots; throat and abdomen white, marked
229
KINGFISHERS
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230 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
with black; lower throat and breast reddish-chestnut or
rust colour. The female differs in having the breast white
spotted with ashy-grey, the lower breast and abdomen
being rufous.
Fic. 121.—Half-collared Kingfisher.
Like its smaller congener, it is found along most of the
South African rivers, and on the coast at their mouths, but
it is not nearly so common.
The Half-collared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata), called
KINGFISHERS 231
the Blaauwe Vischvanger by the Boers, is blue above ;
throat white, and under-surface pale tawny-yellow, except
a blue patch on either side of the chest. Length, 7 inches.
It is rather common in the Albany Division C.C. and at
Port Alfred (Kowie River); we also met with it on the
Hennops and Crocodile Rivers within the Pretoria district.
Fig. 122.—Malachite Kingfisher.
It is a shy, quiet bird, seldom met with far from water. It
lives principally on small fish.
The beautiful little Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis
cyanostigma) is one of the smallest of our river birds, and
is a conspicuous figure with its bright blue upper surface,
232 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
black-barred crest, reddish-buff underparts and coral-red
bill and legs. Length, 6 inches.
It may be geen sitting on a reed or tree, or darting up and
down the surface of the water, emitting its shrill cry of ‘‘ peep
peep’; it frequents almost every stream or dam in the
country.
We have taken its eggs—from four to six rounded ovals
of a shiny white (when unblown and fresh, of a pale salmon-
pink owing to the yolk shining through the shell)—from
holes in the bank of a donga or furrow near Grahamstown
in September to November and at Modderfontein in
November.
The Natal Kingfisher (Ispidina natalensis) differs from
the Malachite Kingfisher in being smaller and in the posses-
sion of a rufous-brown collar, and darker under-parts.
Length, about 5 inches.
It ranges from Port St. John in the Eastern Cape Colony
through Natal and Zululand to the Zambesi.
The Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) has
the top of the head varying from an ashy to a dark-brown,
streaked with darker; a whitish collar round the neck;
back and shoulder patch black; rump regions and tail
cobalt-blue ; throat white, merging into a pale fulvous on
the lower breast, streaked with dark brown. Length, 84
inches.
This bird ranges from Swellendam eastwards through
Cape Colony, and northwards to the Northern Transvaal.
It is a noisy, fearless bird, and subsists chiefly on insects
of various kinds, millepedes and small fish. The nest hole
is usually very foul-smelling. The eggs are generally four
or five in number.
KINGFISHERS 233
Fia. 123.—Brown-hooded Kingfisher near nest hole.
234 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
There is a smaller rather closely allied bird, the Striped
Kingfisher (1. chelicuti) which need not concern us here.
The Angola Kingfisher (H. cyanoleucus), easily recognisable
by the upper mandible being red while the lower is black,
and the Mangrove Kingfisher (H. senegalotdes) are scarce
birds within our limits.
CORMORANTS
The Cormorants (Family Phalacrocoracide) are essentially
sea birds, but two of the species have been recorded as breed-
ing on inland waters. -
The White-breasted Duiker (Phalacrocorazx lucidus) is
white on the sides and forepart of the neck, from the throat
downwards, extending to the upper breast ; rest of under-
surface and the most of the upper parts black. The head is
adorned with a few lengthened feathers, and the tail contains
fourteen rectrices. Length, about 8 feet.
This bird is found all along the South African coast, and
inland it has been recorded from Kroonstad by Barratt,
Vredefort Road (Hamilton), Rhodesia (Marshall), and, more
recently, from the Compies River, near the Swaziland
Border, by C. H. Taylor. It breeds on most of the islands
off the Cape Coast, and Sparrow found a pair nesting in a
willow tree on the shore of a vlei at Bethlehem, Orange
River Colony, on May 16.
The eggs are pale blue and of a chalky texture, and may
be looked for at almost any season. This Cormorant dives
and swims with great facility, and, like all its kind, feeds on
fish, mollusca, &c.
The Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocoraz africanus) is
of a general black colour, relieved by a little greyish on the
wings and a few white feathers on the sides of the face and
neck. The forehead is ornamented by a tuft of upright
PELICANS 235
black feathers, and the tail consists of twelve feathers.
Length, about 2 feet.
It is almost as often met with on inland waters as on the
coast, being found on most of the rivers. It swims low in
the water, only the top of the back, head and neck being
visible. Layard found it breeding in large numbers on the
Berg River in September, W. Sclater on Dassen Island in
July, so that its breeding season appears to be irregular.
The eggs are similar to those of the previous species, but are
smaller, and the nest is either placed on a rock or in a tree
or bush. Like its congeners, it is a swift, strong flyer.
The Snake-Bird (Anhinga rufa) has the back of the head,
neck and upper back dark brown, speckled with dark reddish
and black, the lower back, wings and tail black; sides of
the head and neck adorned with a white stripe and a black
band ; lower part of neck and under-parts black. It has a
straight, slender bill and a long, snake-like neck, which gave
to the bird its trivial name. The feet are fully webbed.
Length, 31 inches.
It is found along most of the larger rivers, but is nowhere
exactly common. It feeds almost exclusively on fish. It
is a great diver, and usually swims very low in the water,
only the head and long neck being visible. Layard and
Dr. Stark found the Darter (as this bird is also called) breed-
ing on the Berg River in the Cape Colony, and the latter
describes the nest as a bundle of sticks situated in a willow-
tree. The clutch varies from three to five and the eggs are
elongated and shiny-white, with the Cormorant-like under-
lying bluish layer.
PELICANS
The Eastern White Pelican (Pelecanus roseus) is of a
general white colour, tinged with rose-pink, a shoulder
236 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
patch and the wing quills black; a patch of pale yellow
on the breast. The head is ornamented with a small crest
of narrow feathers, and the bill is flat, with a large patch
of naked skin below it. Length, about 53 feet. Tail of 22
or 24 feathers. :
Besides being found on the sea coast, this bird was met
with by Andersson on Lake Ngami, by Alexander on the
Zambesi, and by Bryden on the Botletli River; it has also
been recorded from one or two other inland localities. There
is another smaller species with a tail of 20 feathers (Pelicanus
rufescens), whose portrait we append.
Photo. : O. 8. Wigan.
Fic. 124.—Pink-backed Pelican.
They subsist on fish, the pouch below the beak being used
as a bag for carrying their food. Andersson found this bird
breeding near Lake Ngami. The eggs are elongated white
ovals.
HERONS AND EGRETS 237
HERONS AND EGRETS
The true Herons (Family Ardeidw) are represented in
South Africa by four species, the first of which is the huge
Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), with a length of over four
feet. Upper parts slate colour except the top of the head
and neck, which are ruddy-brown. Below, chin and throat
white, a black line down the front of the lower half of the
neck ; lower feathers lengthened to form a sort of “‘ apron ” ;
rest of under-surface maroon. Length, 53 inches.
It is evenly distributed over the sub-continent, being
inland perhaps commonest at Potchefstroom. There is a
fme mounted example with nest and three eggs in the
Transvaal Museum, obtained by OC. B. Horsbrugh on the
Modder River, Orange Free State. The nest is usually
a platform of sticks, reeds, and sedge, placed on the weeds
in a marsh of vlei, or in the branches of a tree overhanging
water. The eggs are clear pale blue, and oval in shape. The
Goliath Heron is found singly or in pairs, usually at the
mouths of rivers. It feeds largely on fish.
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is pearly-slate above and
along the sides of the body; top of head, neck, centre of
breast and belly white; lower front of neck with black
patches; on either side of the breast a series of pendent
purplish-black feathers. Length, 40 to 41 inches.
This bird is found over almost the whole of the Old World,
and throughout the African Continent. Like all the Herons,
it is found singly or in pairs, and may be seen standing on
the bank of a dam or stream sunning itself or watching for
fish and frogs. It also feeds on reptiles and inseets. It
nests in much the same localities as the Goliath, and the
eggs are pale blue. Roberts found fresh eggs on September 5.
The Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) has the
238 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
top of the head (which is crested), ear-coverts, back of neck,
tail and wings black; above blackish-slate; below slate-
grey with the lower part of the neck clothed with lengthened
plumes. Length, 38 inches. This species ranges all over the
sub-continent, and resembles the others in habits.
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) has the crown black
ornamented by two long plumes ; above slaty ; lower breast
dark maroon, darkening towards the abdomen ; lower neck
and upper breast pale rufous. Length, 35 to 36 inches.
It ranges from Central Europe to the Cape. In habits
and nidification it resembles the other members of the
genus.
There are three species of true Egret in South Africa,
all pure white in colour.
The Great White Egret (Herodias alba) is the largest,
with a wing measurement of 14 inches; the head is only
slightly crested. Length, 38 inches.
The two smaller species (wing 12 inches) are the Yellow-
billed Egret (H. brachyrhynchos), characterised by its yellow
bill and slightly crested head, and the Little Egret (H.
garzetta), which has the bill black, and a pair of long plumes
on the nape.
The Hegrets are fond of marshy localities and feed on fish,
frogs, and the like.
The Great Egret does not breed in South Africa, being
a migrant from Europe and Asia. The other two species
are fairly evenly distributed over the country, breeding
here, but are only common in certain localities.
The Cattle Egret (Bubuleus «bis) is white throughout,
excepting the decomposed plumes of the head, neck, and
centre of back, which are buffish-pink. Length, 21 inches.
HERONS AND EGRETS 239
It is not uncommon in many localities, except in the
Western Cape Colony, whence it has only once been re-
corded. We found them fairly common along the Aapies
River near Waterval North in the Pretoria District, where
they roosted nightly in flocks on the drooping branches of
some trees growing on the bank of the river ; at sunset they
could be seen flying in long lines from the veld, where they
had been freeing the cattle of their ticks (the birds’ main
article of food).
' Harold Fry discovered this Egret nesting on the Vaal
River, near Parys, Orange Free State, in November,
and Roberts, near Balmoral, in December. The eggs are
pale blue in colour.
The Green-backed Heron (Butorides atricapilla) has the
top of the head, back and tail glossy dark green; below
ashy-grey except for a streak of rufous down the centre of
the breast ; chin, centre of throat and front of neck white.
Length, about 16 inches.
It is found in the Eastern Cape Colony, the lower-lying
portions of Natal, ranging northwards. There are a pair
of these pretty little Herons in the Transvaal Zoological
Gardens, caught when in immature plumage at Six-mile
Spruit, near Pretoria.
The Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) has the crown
and back greenish-black; neck and the best part of the
wing dove-grey ; rest of plumage snowy white, including
two long plumes springmg from the back of the head.
Length, 22 inches.
It is widely distributed throughout South Africa. We
found it common on the Valsch River at Kroonstad in
April, 1906; there was quite a large proportion in the
immature grey dress.
240 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
It is somewhat nocturnal in habits, spending the greater
part of the day amongst the thick trees and reed-beds
bordering. the river. The nest is a saucer-like platform of
sticks, and the eggs are pale greeny-blue.
The White-backed Heron (N. leuconotus) has a white
patch on the back and the neck is bright chestnut. Sclater
gives only two known records of its occurrence in South
Africa, Bathurst by Atherstone and Barber and Hex River,
Rustenburg by Lucas. To this we can add Port St. John,
Pondoland; and near Durban (in Durban Museum). (C. G.
Davies, C.M.R., favoured us with the loan of a talented
water-colour painting made by him of a specimen procured
at that place.) Fitzsimons of the Port Elizabeth Museum
has recently informed us of the receipt, in August, of a
fine example from Hankey, a village not far from Uiten-
hage, and we have obtained a pair from the Hennops River,
near Pretoria.
BITTERNS
The Bitterns (genus Ardetta) number three species, of
skulking habits, inhabiting thick reed-beds and rushes,
which are in consequence but little known, and are seldom
seen by the ordinary individual. They are somewhat Heron-
like in appearance, but are smaller.
IBISES
The Sacred Ibis (Ibis cethiopica) is pure white excepting
the head and neck, which are black and devoid of feathers ;
the wings are steel-green and metallic purple. Length,
about 8 feet.
This bird ranges throughout the African Continent, bemg
found on most of the inland waters m South Africa, many
resorting to the coast islands to breed in spring.
IBISES 241
Its food consists of crabs, mollusca, worms, &c. It
constructs a platform of rushes or seaweeds amongst the
rocks. Roberts found a colony of these birds breeding on
a “pan ”’ near Balmoral Station in the Transvaal on December
11,1904. The nests were built on the rushes about 6 inches
Fig. 125.—Hadadah Ibis on nest.
above the surface of the water, and contained each from two
to three eggs—these were of a dirty white colour, some
marked with light brown round the obtuse ends, but the
majority were hardly marked at all. Besides eggs, young
in all stages of growth were found.
The Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) is of a dark metallic
R
THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
WB ta wept meagre?
Fig. 126.—Nest and eggs of Hadadah Ibis.
FLAMINGOES 243
green colour, with the head bald, red in colour, and the
bill long and red. Length, about 31 inches. It is a rare
bird in South Africa, and is sometimes known to the Boers
as the Wilde Kalkoen (Wild Turkey).
The Hadadah Ibis (Theristicus hagedash) is olive-green
above, the wing-coverts being metallic; the wing-quills
and tail dark purplish-blue ; head, neck and under-surface
ash-grey. Length, 30 to 31 inches.
This bird is not uncommon in certain localities. We
found it breeding near Grahamstown; the nest—a saucer-
shaped structure of stout sticks lined with moss and grass—
is built on the lower branches of a tree, generally over-
hanging water; the eggs number three and vary from a
creamy tint of greenish-buff and creamy-brown, marked
with liver-brown blotches and streaks. One nest discovered
in the Albany Divn. was situated in a tree quite 40 feet
from the bottom of the kloof. During the winter the Hadadah
Ibis congregates into flocks. F. Thomsen of the Transvaal
Agriculture Department reports having seen them in large
flocks—as many as several hundreds together—devouring
voetgangers (immature locusts). They feed on other insects
as well, and are thus of considerable economic value to the
agriculturist and should certainly be protected, although
considered excellent eating by many people.
FLAMINGOES
There are two species of this specialised type of bird in
South Africa, recognised by their long legs and necks and
the remarkably shaped bill, which is abruptly bent down-
wards about the middle of its length; plumage white,
washed with roseate pink, the wings being black and crimson.
The Greater Flamingo (Phenicopterus roseus) is easily
244 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
distinguishable from the Lesser Bird (Ph. minor) by the
difference in size, the former having a length of 55 inches
against one of 89 inches in the case of the latter species.
They are fairly common along the coasts and on many
of the inland waters. Dr. Symonds records the Greater
Flamingo from Kroonstad district, and we have seen them
in flocks on some of the vleis between Brandfort and Bult-
fontein, Orange River Colony. It is reported as breeding
in South Africa by several observers.
It breeds regularly in the South of Spain. Little is known
in South Africa of the smaller species.
The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is white, with a red
crown. Length, 35 inches. Bill long, flattened, and spoon-
shaped. It is not common.
GEESE AND DUCKS
The Ducks, Geese, and Swans form the order Anseres,
whereof South Africa possesses but a single sub-family
(Anatine) containing eleven genera with eighteen species.
The Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis), known
to the Boers as the Wilde Macaauw (Wild Muscovy), is
glossy black with metallic reflections, the sides of the head,
throat, and lower neck, breast, belly, and edge of wing
white ; the wing armed with a sharp spur; bare skin on the
top of the head, with the knob and billred. Length, about
3 feet.
This species has been but seldom recorded from the Cape
Colony, but is quite common on the vleis of the Orange
Free State, often consorting in flocks with ducks and
other water-fowl, the vleis being literally covered with
aquatic birds at certain seasons.
It may be seen in captivity on some farms, in a semi-
domesticated condition, having been reared from the egg.
GEESE AND DUCKS 245
Tt takes a lot of shot, being exceedingly tough in the adult
stage. The eggs are shiny white and nearly 3 inches in
length.
The Dwarf Goose (Netiapus auritus) is, as its trivial name
indicates, a very diminutive member of the Goose tribe.
It is dark metallic-green, brown, black and white in colora-
tion, and is quite a neat, handsome little bird. Length, only
1 foot.
It is met with along the coast and on some of the larger
rivers, and we procured it at Port Hlizabeth.
The Egyptian Goose (Chenaloper cegyptiacus), called by
the Boers the Berg Gans (Mountain Goose), is a pretty
Fig. 127.—Egyptian Geese (enlarged to show detail).
graceful bird; it is black above, except the crown, which
is white; nape and neck greyish fawn, with a narrow pale
chestnut collar; the wings are ashy brown; below greyish
white and pale chestnut, the sides of the body and lower
neck being grey mottled with fine bands of black. The
ring round the eye and round patch on the breast—both
bright chestnut—will serve to easily distinguish this bird
from any of its kind. Length, 28 inches.
Fia. 128.—A pair of Egyptian Geese.
GEESE AND DUCKS 247
It ranges through the whole of South Africa, being common
on the vleis of the Orange Free State at certain seasons,
where it breeds amongst the rushes, laying pure white eggs,
five to eight in a clutch. This bird has been recorded as
breeding on a cliff, and even amongst the grass and rocks
ofa kopjeon the veld. In the photograph (Fig. 128) the geese
have commandeered the disused nest of a Hammerhead ;
the nest can be seen on a ledge of the cliff near the top of the
picture (left centre), the entrance-hole projecting down-
wards. The bird in the foreground has the wing outspread,
showing the conspicuous white patch.
We have kept this Goose repeatedly in captivity, but
they are pugnacious in the poultry-yard, pursuing and
persecuting ducks and fowls alike. Their harsh barking
quack (so aptly described by Andersson) is irritating in
the extreme, except when heard in the wilds.
The Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata), known to the
Boer farmers as the “Geelbek,” is perhaps the commonest
and most widely spread of the South African Ducks. General
colour ashy-brown, mottled with white; a speculum of
metallic blue or green on the wing margined by black. Bill
yellow with a black central streak on the culmen. Length,
nearly 2 feet.
This bird was fairly plentiful on the Modderfontein dams
during August, 1907. It is perhaps the commonest Duck in
most parts of South Africa.
The Black Duck (Anas sparsa) is almost black in colour,
speckled with grey on the head and neck; the metallic
speculum is surrounded by a black band, which is bordered
in front and behind by a white stripe. Length, 2 feet.
Mr. Taylor found this bird breeding under a tuft of rushes
on a little island at Irene (dist. Pretoria) in July, 1905; the
nest contained eleven eggs.
248 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
Fic. 129.—Black Duck.
Photo.: L. E. Taylor.
Fig. 130.—Nest and eggs of Black Duck.
250 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
The Cape Widgeon (Anas capensis) is often confused with
the Red-billed Teal, but can be distinguished by its green
speculum.
The Red-billed Teal (Anas erythroryncha) is called the
Smee-eendje by the Dutch. It is brown above, the feathers
of the back being edged with pale salmon-pink; below
white, nearly every feather with a half-round spot of ashy-
black near the tip; bill pink with a brown stripe down the
centre of the mandible. Length, 18 to 19 inches.
It nests amongst the reeds and rushes on the bank of a-
river or viei, or even on the weeds growing in the water.
The eggs have been described as greenish-white, and also
creamy-brown. As we have never been fortunate enough
to take the eggs ourselves, we cannot say which is correct.
The European Shoveller has been recorded from South
Africa by W. G. Fairbridge, of Cape Town.
The Cape Shoveller (Spatula capensis) is a scarce bird.
In addition to the localities given in Stark and Sclater
“ Birds of South Africa,” a male in beautiful plumage was
procured at Modderfontein, Transvaal, which is now in the
Transvaal Museum.
The South African Pochard (Nyroca capensis) is of a dark
brown colour, the male having the centre of the back and
upper wing-feathers finely speckled with whitish ; a white
band on the wing. The female is paler, is without the
freckling, and has the lower surface mottled with white
and brown. Length, 20 inches.
It is fairly generally distributed over South Africa. It
arrives at Modderfontein in August, leaving again in April.
The eggs are pale creamy-white.
GEESE AND DUCKS 251
The White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) is widely
spread throughout the sub-continent. The top of the head
and the throat are black; above and below of a yellowish-
brown colour mottled and barred with black; centre of
back pure white. Bill, short and stumpy, and of a blue
and slate colour. Length, 17 inches.
Within our limits it is widely distributed, but remains
so far unrecorded from Rhodesia. It is an expert diver,
and seldom flies, although it can and does fly when perse-
cuted. It rests in the water, amongst the aquatic weeds,
Fig. 131.—Nest and eggs of White-backed Duck.
with the whole body submerged, only the top of the head
as far as the eyes and the bill being exposed, which is all
the mark usually available to aim at. They are not bad
eating at times, although somewhat oily. The nest is a
saucer of sedge, rushes and weeds, built on the beaten-down
weeds growing in the water, and is usually well concealed.
The nest, of which we append a photograph, was situated
on weeds growing in about three feet of water in a dam,
twenty yards or so from the shore, and contained six eggs,
varying from a greenish creamy-brown colour, to a warm
252 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
pale brown. The addled eggs had a slightly greenish tinge,
and were somewhat blotched, probably owing to the action
of the mud and water. The nest was lined with a few of
the feathers of the Ducks themselves.
All the Ducks seem to be very irregular in their breeding
habits, so far ag season is concerned, and the probable
explanation of it is that they are double-brooded. Take
the White-backed Duck as an example: A. D. Millar found
nests in November, December and February, while the
clutch photographed was found on April 21, 1899.
RAILS AND CRAKES
The Rails and Crakes are birds of retiring habits, haunting
the reed-beds and thickets in marshy localities, and are
consequently but seldom seen and little known.
The Kaffir Rail (Rallus ceerulescens) is dark brown above,
merging into slatey-blackish on the crown: throat white ;
rest of under-surface slatey-blue, merging into black on the
abdomen, thighs and flanks, the last three being barred with
white. Length, 104 inches. Bill and feet bright red.
There are two true Crakes in South Africa, the Huropean
species (Crex pratensis) and the African (C. egregia). Above
brownish with blackish centres to the feathers; below
brownish in the former and slatey in the latter on the breast,
and the lower portions rufous banded with white in pratensis,
while egregia has transverse bands of black and white. The
European bird measures 92 inches to the South African
bird’s 74 inches.
There are two species of Spotted Crakes (Ortygometra),
for which we must refer the reader to larger books.
WATER-FOWL 253
The best known Crake in South Africa, perhaps, is the
little Black Crake (Limnocorax niger), with red legs and a
greenish bill to relieve the general dull black of its plumage.
Length, 72 inches. It is fairly well distributed over the
sub-continent.
WATER-FOWL
The Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)—the Rooi-bles Hoender
or Rooi-bles Riet Haan of the Boers—is black in colour,
fading into a slatey shade on the under-surface. Frontal
shield red. Basal portion of bill red, remainder greenish-
yellow.
This is a widely spread species, being also found in Europe
and Asia. Length, 13 inches.
The Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata) is considerably
smaller than the preceding species, being only 94 inches in
length : it has no red on the lower mandible.
The King Reed-Hen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is olive-green
above; back of the head, breast and belly purple-blue ;
face, throat and upper breast blue. Frontal shield red.
Length, 18 inches.
This handsome bird is a denizen of the thick reed-beds
and arum-patches, where it lies concealed the best part of
the day, searching for its food, which consists of shoots of
plants, seeds, worms, &c., in the mornings and evenings.
It breeds amongst the reeds, usually placing its nest on a
platform of reed-stems, and laying from four to eight eggs
of a pale brown spotted and blotched with purplish and
reddish-brown.
The Red-knobbed Coot (Ffulica cristata) is of a general
dark ash-colour throughout, darker (almost black) on the
THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
254
=
Ge
Fic. 132.—King Reed-hen or Purple Gallinule.
(From a mounted specimen.) :
PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS 255
head and neck, and paler (greyish) on the abdomen. Bill
and shield pale blue, the knobs of the shield being dark red.
Length, 16 to 17 inches.
It is widely spread throughout South Africa, wherever
suitable localities occur. It may be found on vleis, rivers
and dams, in companies of varying number. On the vleis
of the Orange Free State, it is sometimes so numerous, con-
sorting with Wild Duck, Spur-wing Geese, and other Water-
fowl, that the surface of the water is literally black with the
birds! It flies well and is an expert diver. It feeds in the
morning and towards sunset, on insects, weed seeds and
plant shoots. It has two curious calls, the one a trumpet-
like grunt, and the other a shrill vibrating whistle.
Contrary to Bryden’s experience, we found this bird
anything but good eating, the flesh usually being of a muddy
and fishy flavour. However, if young, and if the skin is
removed before cooking, it is fairly palatable.
It builds its nest amongst the rushes and reeds; this
is merely a platform of aquatic plants resting on the water.
The eggs are three to seven in number, and of a pale tawny
colour spotted with blackish-brown. We found it breeding
in some number on the Florida Lake, near Johannesburg,
during August.
PLOYERS AND LAPWINGS
The little Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) is
called the Strand-looper (Shore-runner) by the Boers, and
is found almost everywhere within our limits. It is brown
above with a white ring round the top of the head; below
white, with two black bands crossing the chest. Length,
64 inches.
It may be seen on the flats alongside roads, or running
along the shore of a viei or river. Its call is a sharp squeak,
256 THE.BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
emitted usually as the bird rises from the ground. We
took its eggs during the months of October and November
at Modderfontein. They are deposited in a slight hollow
amongst the mud-clots or shingle, where the protective
coloration of the eggs renders them difficult of detection.
These are pale yellowish thickly streaked and blotched with
Fig. 133.—Three-collared Plover and egg.
yellowish and dark brown, and are very large for the size of
the bird. The young nestlings when first fledged are of a
rufous tinge banded with black.
The Sand Plover (C. varius) is of a dark brown colour
SNIPE 257
above, the feathers having paler edges and tips; forehead
white and the top of the head brown, the two divided by
a black band. A broad band of white runs from above the
eye round the back of the head, enclosing the crown, and
below this a black band. Under-surface white, the breast
being tinged with pale reddish-brown. Length, 64 inches.
This bird often congregates into small flocks, and may be
found on the veld—sometimes far from water—but generally
in the neighbourhood of vleis and rivers. It is also found
along the coast.
The Curlew (Numenius arquatus) is pale brown above
streaked with darker ; below white, sides of the face, neck
and breast with shaft-streaks of brown. Bill long and gently
curved. Length, about 2 feet.
This bird is a migrant from Europe and Asia, and does not
breed in South Africa.
The Redshank, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, and Wood
Sandpiper, and several other species, are all migrants to
Southern latitudes, spending the winter months of the
northern hemisphere with us, and departing when our winter
sets in, They require descriptions too long for this book,
and if procured can easily be sent to the nearest museum
for identification.
SNIPE
The Double Snipe (Gallinago major) is of a mottled black
and buffish colour above ; fowr outer tail-feathers on either
side white; below, neck and breast buffish streaked with
brown, chin and centre of abdomen white. Length, 11 inches.
Bill straight.
Tts congener, the Ethiopian Snipe (G. nigripennis), differs
in being darker, and the ¢hree outer tail-feathers are white
barred with dusky on the outer web.
8
258 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI
Neither of these birds ig exactly common except in
certain few localities, and only the latter breeds within our
limits.
The Painted Snipe (Rostratula bengalensis) is the most
richly-coloured species of all, and in this case—contrary to
the usual course—the female is more brightly tinted than
the male, having the back and shoulders of a bronzy-brown
glossed with metallic-green, and the neck chestnut. Length,
92 to 10 inches.
This bird is widely distributed, ranging from India, China
and Japan, through Egypt to South Africa. It was found
breeding by Andersson in Damaraland, and by Lawrence at
Lady Grey, Cape Colony.
GREBE
There are three species of Grebe (Family Podicipedide)
in South Africa, differing from one another considerably
insize. They are usually known to the Colonial as ‘ Divers.”
The Great-crested Grebe (Colymbus cristatus) is easily
recognisable by its large size (length, 20 inches), a double
crest resembling the “ears” of an owl, and a thick ruff of
chestnut and black feathers on the upper neck.
It is fairly abundant and generally distributed in the
sub-continent, inhabiting vleis, dams and similar localities.
Like the other members of the family, they are expert
divers, often travelling a hundred yards or so under water.
It also has the habit of often swimming deep in the water,
only the centre of the back, head and neck being visible.
It feeds on molluscs, small fish, and crustacea—also on
aquatic plants. The nests are built on the matted weeds
growing in the water and reaching only to the surface, where
the nest practically floats. Eggs, three in number, and of a
GREBE 259
greenish tinge when fresh, but they become brownish when
they have been in the nest for some time.
The Eared Grebe (Colymbus nigricollis) differs from the
Great Grebe in having the whole neck ashy black (the lower
neck of the latter bird being silvery white), by the bunch
of hair-like bristles behind each eye, and by its smaller size.
Length, 124 inches.
It ig not a common bird within our limits, but was found
breeding on Vogel Vlei about fifty miles from Cape Town by
Layard.
The Cape Dabchick (Colymbus capensis) is the smallest
of the three, being only 104 inches in length, and has neither
a crest nor a ruff.
It is common and general in distribution. It is a wonderful
diver, and is an active little bird in its proper element, viz.
water ; but is unable to walk on land, having to drag itself
along by the aid of its wings. It was found breeding in
large numbers at Ondonga (German South-West Africa), by
Andersson ; we took eggs near Grahamstown. These were
of a dirty cream colour, and of a pyriform-orate shape.
CHAPTER VIII
BIRDS OF THE SEA AND COAST
ORDER STEGANOPODES
Tuer Cormorants are represented in South Africa by four
species, two of which we have already treated of under the
chapter “ Birds of River and Vlei,” viz., the White-breasted
Cormorant and the Reed Cormorant.
There still remains the Cape Cormorant or Trek Duiker (as
it is known amongst the Cape Dutch) and the Bank Duiker
or Speckle-necked Cormorant. The former (Phalacrocorax
capensis) is black, with a slight purplish sheen, the front of
the neck and chest being of a dark brown. Naked skin round
the eye, and the throat yellow. Tail feathers, 14 in number.
Length, 25inches. It is found on the coast belt from Durban
round the Cape to Walfish Bay, and further north.
It breeds on the islands off the South African Coast, such
as Jutten and Dassen Islands, and their droppings form part
of the valuable deposits of guano, which is annually collected
by the Cape Government, after the birds have finished breed-
ing. This species builds a flat nest of sticks and grass on
the ground, and lays from two to five eggs of a pale blue
colour, covered with a chalky white substance. It lives
upon fish and shellfish, and swims and dives with great
ease.
The Speckle-necked Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus)
is of much the same coloration as the Cape Cormorant, but
261
ORDER STEGANOPODES
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“punoiSyoV oY} Ul SIq] pares YIM ‘syueIoUTI0N edeQ—"FEl “OLT
262 BIRDS OF THE SEA AND COAST
has the neck of a speckly nature, is larger (length, 27 to 30
inches), and has only twelve tail-feathers. It is much
scarcer than the above species, but like it, breeds on the Guano
Islands off the South African coast. The eggs resemble those
of the Trek Duiker, but the nest is different, beng composed
of seaweed.
Of the Gannets (Family Sulidae) the Cape Gannet or
Malagash (Sula capensis) is also well known on the coast.
It is a white bird with the tail and portion of the wings
dark brown. The naked skin round the eye, and about
six inches down the throat, is black. Length, about three
feet. The young bird is dark brown, speckled with white. It
breeds on the Guano Islands off the coast already mentioned,
and together with the Cape Cormorant supplies most of the
guano collected annually. It lays a smgle egg in a hollow
in the ground or in a depression scratched in the layer of
manure.
ORDER LIMICOLA
Many of the Plovers and Sandpipers are found along
the coast, as well as on the inland rivers and lakes. Some
of them have already been dealt with. Suffice it for us now
to refer to a few of the commoner littoral species.
The White-fronted Sand Plover (Charadrius mar-
ginatus) is of a pale ashy-grey colour above, and white
below. In the breeding plumage it has a black band across
the forehead, and a buffy tinge on the breast. Length,
63 inches. It is essentially a show bird, and is a common
resident. Like the Three-collared Sand Plover, it lays two
blotched and marbled eggs in a depression in the mud or
sand.
The Black Oyster-catcher (Haematopus moquint) is quite
black with a red bill and legs. Length, 21 inches. It is
ORDER GAVIZ 263
also a coast bird, feeding upon small fish, crabs, etc. It
lays from one to four eggs in a mere depression in the sand.
The Sandpipers, etc., are a large group, the individuals of
which require descriptions too long for a work of this nature,
and the student or reader must therefore refer to the more
extensive monographs or text books.
ORDER GAYIA
The Southern Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus) is
white, with the exception of the mantle and wings, which are
blackish. Bill yellow with a reddish tip to the lower mandible.
Length, 24 inches ; wing, 17 inches.
It is common all along the coast, and lives upon the
garbage thrown overboard from the ships, insects, shellfish,
and it even feeds upon the dead bodies of seals and whales.
Its eggs may be looked for during the months of November
and December. They are deposited on the sand of the sea-
shore, and are usually three in number, and of a brownish
green colour spotted with pale and dark brown.
There are two species of Gull which resemble one another
somewhat, the Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrhocephalus) and
Hartland’s Gull (Larus hartlaubi). The latter is distinguished
from the former by its white head and neck, while these
regions, as its vernacular name indicates, in the former
species, are grey. These two species are of much the same
size, measuring 15 to 16 inches in length, and both species
have red legs and a red beak. The Grey-headed Gull is,
however, a more inland species than the other, being found
in colonies on many of the inland waters.
The various species of Terns resemble one another so closely
that only the commonest need concern us here.
The Common Tern (Sterna fluviatilis), is white below
BIRDS OF THE SEA AND COAST
264
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“TIOOIN “£
‘W + 0};oud
ORDER TUBINARES—ORDER IMPENNES 265
and pearl-grey above, the top of the head being black. Bill
and legs red. Length, 12 to 183 inches. It is very plentiful
in Table, False and Algoa Bays.
ORDER TUBINARES
The Cape Hen (Majaqueus cequinoctialis), rejoicing in
the inelegant name of Stinkpot amongst the sailors, is very
common along the coast, but is seldom seen near to the
shore. It is of a sooty black colour with a white patch under
the chin. Length, 21 inches.
The Giant Petrel (Ossifraga giganteus), better known to
sailors as the Mutton Bird,.is a large plain-coloured brown
bird with a pale green bill. It measures about three feet in
length. I have seen them in Table Bay, and at Port
Elizabeth, where they appear to live upon dead bodies
of various animals and offal.
The Cape Petrel (Daption capensis) or Cape Pigeon, as it is
usually misnamed, is of a white colour with a slaty-black
head and neck, and the upper side is spotted with slate-
coloured markings. Length, 14 inches. This is a common
bird in the Cape seas during the winter and early spring
months (April to October).
The Mollymawk .(Diomedia melanophrys) has the middle
portion of the back, the wings and tail, slate-black. The
rest of the plumage is white. Length, 82 inches. This
albatros is common in Algoa Bay and Table Bay.
ORDER IMPENNES
The Common or Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)
is perhaps one of the weirdest of living birds. Like the
Ostrich, it is utterly devoid of flight, but its wings are still
BIRDS OF THE SEA AND COAST
266
“‘puvls[ Uesseq UO suINSu0g sseyoep—'gE] ‘DIT
“TIOOIN *f “TH + °090Ud
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ORDER IMPENNES 267
more degenerate, being modified to form mere paddles. It
is black and white in colour and measures about two feet in
length. The bird is, however, easily recognisable from a
photograph. It is very common along the South African
coast, resorting to the Guano Islands to breed. It dives
with great celerity and exists solely on fish which it captures
for itself. It is ungainly on land, and either waddles along
in an upright position or wriggles on its belly by the aid of
its flippers. It obtains its vernacular name from its donkey-
like call. The eggs are collected by the Cape Government,
and sold as food, being eaten chiefly by the Malays, although
many white people acquire the taste forthem. The ‘ white ”
of the egg does not boil opaque, like a hen’s egg, but remains
of a thick jelly-like substance, although it may be boiled for
ten minutes or so.
CHAPTER IX
BIRD-PARASITES
Tuere are but two groups or families of true parasitic
birds in South Africa, viz., the Cuckoos and the Honey-
guides. Several of our birds utilise the nests of other
members of the Avian class, but as they do not leave their
eges to be incubated by the original or rightful owner, per-
forming this duty themselves, they cannot with justice
be included under the heading of “‘ Bird-Parasites.”
HONEY-GUIDES
The Honey-guides (family Indicatoride) are a small
family of interesting birds, chiefly remarkable for their
habit of guidmg man and animals to the nests of bees.
Their structure, resembling that of the Cuckoos in some
respects, but more closely according with that of the Barbets,
has occasioned some considerable diversity of opinion as to
their classificatory position. Originally placed with the
Cuckoos, they were subsequently elevated to the rank of a
separate family. They were also placed in the Barbet
family by some authors, a position favoured—amongst others
—by F. EH. Beddard, F.R.S8., the Prosector of the London
Zoological Society, who includes them in the Capitonide
in his excellent work: ‘‘ The Structure and Classification of
Birds.”
They resemble the Cuckoos in the arrangement of the
HONEY-GUIDES 269
toes, the first and fourth being directed backwards, while
the two middle ones are projected forwards; in their
parasitic habits they also resemble the Cuckoos, but differ
in several marked structural characteristics.
The wing is long and pointed, and not as in the Capi-
tonide, short and rounded. Primaries nine in number, the
first one being almost as long as the second. The bill of
the adult is of medium length, fairly stout, and with a
slightly swollen formation towards the tip. The young
bird (fledgling) has a pair of sharp, strong tooth-like hooks
welded on to the end of the bill, one on either mandible.
These peculiar appendages apparently fall off when the bird
is nearly or fully adult, so we presume the use they have is
to assist the young Honey-guide to obtain a firm hold of its
foster brethren when ejecting them from the nest hole of
the rightful owners of the nest. These hooks on the beak of
the young bird are in themselves sufficient to relegate
the Honey-guides to a family of their own. The nestling
Indicator has the swollen nostrils characteristic of the
Cuckoo nestling, but instead of bemg rounded as in the
Cuculide, they are elongated and oval, being more in
the shape of slits.
The stories told of the honey-guiding instincts of these
little birds are innumerable, dating from the days of Sparr-
man and Livingstone. They feed principally on insects
and honey.
South Africa possesses five species fallmg under two
genera :—
a. Tail of twelve feathers... ... Indicator.
b. Tail of ten feathers usa ... Prodotiscus.
The White-cheeked Honey-guide (Indicator indicator) is
dark brown above, a golden-yellow patch on the shoulder ;
ear-coverts white, rest of cheek and throat black in the
‘(apm3-Aouoy pozvoryy-A] og) sngesorrea 1oyeorpuy BurlpysoN— LET “OT
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HONEY-GUIDES 271
male, the latter white in the female; rest of under-surface
dirty white. Length, about 7} inches.
It is widely spread all over the African Continent, but
is nowhere exactly common within our borders.
Tt is thoroughly parasitic in its habits; we have taken
its egg from the nest of the White-throated Swallow (Hirundo
albigularis), and from the nest hole of the Wood Hoopoe
(Irrisor viridis). The egg is oval in shape, and pure creamy
white in colour (see centre figure, row 3, page 274).
The Yellow-throated Honey-guide (Indicator major) is
olive-brown above, the rump region being white; ear-
coverts black; throat and breast yellow, the rest of the
under-surface being creamy-white. Length, 7 inches.
This species is also found in most of the Bush and Forest
Regions of South Africa, and is not uncommon in the neigh-
bourhood of Grahamstown. Here Mrs. Barber observed it
using the nest hole of the Black-collared Barbet. We found
an egg in the nest of a Drongo-Shrike in November, 1894.
The bird usually—according to our experience—makes use
of the nest hole of the Pied Starling. It seems as if the
Honey-guides occasionally break the eggs of the foster-
parent, to make room for their own. In Fig. 189, row 2,
left centre figure, we give an illustration of the smaller egg
of the Honey-guide, along with a clutch of Spreo bicolor, two
of which are badly smashed.
The Scaly-throated Honey-guide (Indicator variegatus)
has the forehead mottled, rest of head and neck greenish
merging into a bright olive on the back; throat white
streaked with black; breast yellowish mottled with dusky,
giving a scaly appearance to this region ; rest of under-parts
yellowish-white. Length, 7} inches.
It ranges from the south-eastern portion of Cape Colony
272 BIRD-PARASITES
to Zululand, and has been recently recorded from the
Northern Transvaal by L. HE. Taylor.
We give an illustration of an unfledged young bird of
this species, showing the remarkable development of the
beak. This specimen was taken from the nest-hole in a
willow-tree, belonging to a pair of Diamond Sparrows
(Petronia petronella). The Honey-guide had previously
been seen in the tree, and we found no young sparrows,
these having evidently been ejected by the young Honey-
guide. ,
On one occasion when encamped near the Zwartkops
River in the neighbourhood of Uitenhage, one of these
birds led us on six different occasions to Bees’ nests. The
bird would come and perch on some tree close to the camp
and commence calling “cha, cha, cha” to attract our
attention. We followed it as it flitted before us from tree
to tree, and eventually located the nest, while the little
guide flew round us, keeping in the neighbourhood of the
place, but not coming up to the spot.
The Lesser Honey-guide (Indicator minor) is of an olive
tinge above, greyer on the head and neck; ear-coverts
whitish bordered below by a dark stripe; under-surface
greenish-grey, fading into whitish on the abdomen and under
tail-coverts. Length, 64 inches. It is the commonest and
most widely distributed species, being found im all the
wooded tracts. Like the other members of the family it
goes about singly or in pairs, and feeds on bees, wax, honey
and various insects. The Black-collared Barbet is the
usual host of this little Honey-guide, and we append a photo-
graph of one of these guides sitting near the entrance to the.
nest hole of one of the Barbets ; the head of the Barbet
may be seen protruding from the aperture. When encamped
in a gorge near Bluekrantz in the Uitenhage division of the
HONEY-GUIDES 273
Cape Colony, we witnessed an instance of the persistence
with which the Honey-guides appropriate the nests of other
birds. We saw the bird fly to the nest hole illustrated above,
and endeavour to enter. The male Barbet opposed this and
was afterwards assisted by his spouse, who fiercely attacked
the Honey-guide, pursuing it down the kloof, chattering and
fighting all the while. In a few minutes the Honey-guide
Fig. 138.—Lesser Honey-guide at nest hole of Black-throated Barbet.
reappeared and the same thing was repeated for over an hour.
We then shot all three of the birds and found the Honey-
guide with an egg actually protruding from the oviduct. Two
fresh eggs of the Barbet were found in the nest hole (vide
Fig. 189, page 274, row 1); the centre egg is that of the
Honey-guide. .
The Brown Honey-guide (Prodotiscus regulus) is brown
above and white below, the throat and flanks being washed
with brown.
This is a rare bird in South Africa.
274 BIRD-PARASITES
Fia. 139.—Eggs of Honey-guides with those of hosts.
S Egg of Lesser Honey-guide with those of Black-collared Barbet.
2. ,, », Yellow-throated do. ,, i Pied ee mteed
8. ,, 4, White-cheeked do. ,, sf Wood H
4, ,, ,, Unknown do. ,, ” White- throated Swallow.
~~ CUCKOOS 275
CUCKOOS
The true Cuckoos are a fairly numerous family in South
Africa, and form the first Sub-family (Cuculinee) of the
Family Cuculide, the second Sub-family being the Coucals
(Centropodine), already dealt with in our chapter on
“Denizens of the Forest.”
The parasitic habits of the Cuckoos were made known
to science a good many years ago, and innumerable stories
were told of the European Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), many
of them exaggerated. So far as our Cuckoos are concerned,
they are all true parasites, foisting their eggs upon a variety
of birds, from the tiny Cotton-tit to the Black Crow. In
many instances the female may lay her egg direct in the nest
of the foster-parent ; but what happens in the case of the
Kappok-vogel? It is physically impossible for even our
smallest Cuckoo to obtain ingress into the nest, so the only
practical hypothesis is that she lays -her egg on the ground
and conveys it to the nest in her bill. Many instances of
this have been witnessed, by reliable observers, in the case
of the European Cuckoo. The very masterly essays on the
parasitic habits and nidification of the Cuckoos, by the
late Professor A. Newton, of Cambridge, are too long to
reproduce here, and we must refer the reader who wishes to
understand something of the variation in the colour of the
Cuckoo’s egg, and the diversity in the selection of the foster-
parent, to his admirable “ Dictionary of Birds.”
There are three genera of the Cuculine in South Africa,
the first two having no crest on the head, but easily dis-
tinguishable from one another, the first genus, Cuculus,
possessing no metallic plumage, while the members of the
second genus (Chrysococcyx) are strongly metallic in colora-
tion; the third genus (Coccystes) has the head distinctly
crested. ,
ezuoig * yalqre MA poyeoryy-aeg “fA
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BIRD-PARASITES
276
CUCKOOS 277
' The South African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) is slate-grey
above, throat, neck and upper breast pale grey, rest of
under-surface white transversely and narrowly barred with
black. Length, about 122 inches. ©
It is a migrant from Northern and Central Africa, being
found in South Africa between the months of October to
March. It does not inhabit the Cape and is scarce in Natal,
Fic. 141.—Red-chested Cuckoo.
but is otherwise fairly well distributed. It resides in open
bush country.
Le Vaillant found its egg in the nests of several birds,
and describes it as olive-grey dotted with red.
The European Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) resembles the
278
BIRD-PARASITES
foregoing bird rather closely, differing by its almost entire
black bill, this being only yellow at the base and slightly
‘YsnIy YL, YOoY adeH jo yeou ul ooyonyH poyseyo-pey SunoK—ZFI ‘ony
It is a migrant from
Length, 134 inches.
larger size.
Europe, as its name indicates.
CUCKOOS 279
The Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) is known to
the Boers as the “‘ Piet mynvrouw,” from its call. It is dark
slate above ; throat grey, tinged with rufous ; lower throat
and breast rich rufous, the remainder of the under-parts
being pale buff barred with black. Length, 123 inches.
It migrates to South Africa during our summer, going
to Central and Northern Africa when the winter draws
near. In the sub-continent its range extends from Cape
Town, along the Southern portion of the Cape, through
Natal to Portuguese South Hast Africa.
We have taken its egg—of a peculiar chocolate brown
colour—from the nests of the Cape Robin and the Cape
Rock Thrush, these two birds bemg seemingly the two
usual hosts, although le Vaillant mentions in addition the
Noisy Robin-Chat, the Kappok-vogel and the Coryphea
Warbler ; and we have ourselves taken the egg from the
nest of the South African Stone Chat. Their eggs may be
searched for in November and December. In the photo-
graph of the Cape Rock Thrush (Fig. 8) the dark egg of the
Cuckoo is distinctly visible.
The Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus) is black glossed
with dark green, the tail with a narrow white tip. Length,
124 to 18 inches.
It is also a summer migrant from North and Central
Africa, ranging in South Africa from Port Elizabeth and
Albany to the Northern Transvaal and across to German
South-West Africa. According to le Vaillant, this Cuckoo
uses the nests of the Wren Warblers in which to deposit
its egg; as these nests are too small for the bird to lay
it therein, it probably deposits its egg on the ground and
conveys it to the nest in its bill.
We have, on two occasions, taken a pure white egg of
this bird from the nest of the Sombre Bulbul, viz., in
280 BIRD-PARASITES
December, 1891, and on January 4, 1907—the latter m a
bush overhanging a pool of the Bluekrantz River in Feather-
stone Valley, near Grahamstown. The Cuckoos are all
Fig. 143.—Black Cuckoo.
friends of the farmers, feeding on spiders, imsects and
caterpillars.
The Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx smaragdineus) is of
a bright satiny emerald green colour above, and below
as far as the upper breast; rest of under-surface canary
yellow, excepting the under-tail coverts which are white.
The female has the head ashy black and the upper-surface
CUCKOOS 281
barred with rufous ; below white barred with green. Length,
8 to 84 inches.
It ranges throughout Africa, but is somewhat rare within
our limits, occurring from Knysna eastwards. It is an
Fic. 144.—Young Bronze Cuckoo in Sunbird’s nest.
inhabitant of thick bush or forest country. It is rare in
Albany, but commoner in Pondoland and Natal.
The Woodwards procured two females with shelled
eggs in the oviducts, one pure white and the other speckled
with purple. We found a young half-fledged bird in a
nest of the Cape Sparrow at Koonap (Beaufort West).
The Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx Klaas?) male is metallic
282 BIRD-PARASITES
green above with coppery and red reflections, below white
with a green patch on either side of the chest ; sides of the
body barred with black. The female has the head and back
Fie. 145.—Klaas’ or Bronze Cuckoo.
of neck brownish ; the green back barred with pale reddish-
brown; below buffish white barred with narrow lines of dark
brown. .
‘OOHOND Waploy jo B8o :
UII “19Tqqeq-ILT, payuaa- pay Jo seN—"LPT “OL “morredg edeQ Jo sou ul coon ortpoary SunoX—9FT “OLT
' 984 BIRD-PARASITES
In South Africa this bird is a ‘‘ partial migrant ”’ in some
districts, a resident in others. It may also be an African
migrant, some going to Central or Northern Africa to
spend our winter months. We procured specimens in
Grahamstown in June and July—the heart of winter—L. E.
Taylor in Barberton, in June, 1905, and C. G. Davies of
the Cape Mounted Rifles informs us that it is practically a
resident in Pondoland. It is parasitic upon a number
of birds, the egg to a large extent varying in colour to mimic
that of the foster-parent. Pym took a white egg from the
nest hole of the Malachite Kingfisher, which lays white eggs
(vide Fig. III., page 276) ; we have taken eggs from the nests of
Apalis thoracica, the Cuckoo’s eggs resembling those of the
Warbler in colour, but differing considerably in size and shape.
We also took an egg from the nest of the Larger Double-
collared Sunbird, which was very like that of the Black
Sunbird, so much so that had the egg been deposited in a
nest of the latter bird it would have been a matter of diff-
culty to have distinguished it from the Sunbird’s eggs. We
append a photograph of a young C. Klaasi in the nest of a
Double-collared Sunbird.
The Diedric or Golden Cuckoo (C. cupreus) is metallic
green with coppery reflections above, a white streak on
the centre of the crown, a narrow green band under the
eye ; under-surface white, banded on the sides of the body
with green ; in the female this barring is more pronounced,
extending across the chest.
It is widely distributed in Africa, being a migrant to
other climes, arriving in late September or early October,
and departing at the end of March or so. It derives its
trivial name from its loud plaintive cry of “ Dee-dee-dee-
deederick.” Like the other members of the family, insects
and their larve—caterpillars, ete.—form its staple diet.
CUCKOOS 285
Its egg is subject to still more variation in size, shape
and colour than that of the last species so far as our ex-
perience goes. We have both taken white eggs—in many
cases absolutely authentic. A pure white egg was taken
from the oviduct of a female shot at the Crocodile River,
District Pretoria ; a white egg was also found in the nest
of a Cape Wagtail, which was allowed to hatch out to make
identity certain: further, we took a white egg from the
nest of the little Red-vented Tit-babbler (vide Fig. 147). The
larger egg is that of the Cuckoo. White eggs have been
taken by Messrs. Barber, le Vaillant and Jackson. The
usual host is the Cape Sparrow, both of us having taken the
Cuckoo’s eggs—coloured like those of the Sparrow—from the
nests of this bird. This is borne out by the experiences of
Ayres, Millar, Roberts, and Sparrow (vide Fig. 146, page 283).
The next commonest host is perhaps the Masked Weaver
(Hyphantornis velatus). We took several eggs from their
retort-shaped nests resembling those found in the Sparrow’s
nests.
Fitzsimons records having taken a blue egg from the
ovary of a female, so it will thus be seen that the evidence
regarding the variation of colour, &c., in the egg of this
bird is indisputable. In March, 1903, we took five young
Cuckoos from the nests of sparrows and seven more in
January, 1906, from the nests of the Sparrow and the
Spotted-backed Weaver. We append a photograph of
a young Cuckoo in a Sparrow’s nest ; the latter has been
partly broken open to show the Cuckoo.
The next five species are all crested birds, the largest
being the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Coccystes glandarius)
which is a migrant from South Europe, North Africa, and
West Persia.
It is slaty brown above, the wing-coverts, &c., bemg
BIRD-PARASITES
Fia. 148.—T wo young Great Spotted Cuckoos in nest of Red-wing Starling.
CUCKOOS 287
tipped with white, giving a spotted appearance to this
region; throat and upper breast pale ochre-yellow, rest
of under-parts white. Length, 143 inches.
It has a harsh cry and feeds on caterpillars and insects.
Some years it is plentiful in the Beaufort West and Albany
Divisions of the Cape; at other times it does not put im an
appearance at all. It commonly utilises the nesting-places
of the Red-winged and Pied Starlings, and the nest of the
Black Crow. It favours certain nests each year ; when the
Cuckoos arrive these nests will invariably be found to con-
tain an egg or two, while other nests of the same species
close by will not be noticed by them. This is the only kind
of Cuckoo we know of with instances of two young in a single
nest (vide Fig. 148), or to occasionally permit the foster-
parents’ young to live; we have found a young Spotted
Cuckoo and a young Red-wing just ready to fly, in the same
nest. The egg of this Cuckoo is of a pale dull blue spotted
with black.
The Black and White Cuckoo (Coccystes jacobinus) is
glossy black with greenish reflections above ; a white band
across the wing, below white washed with pale buff.
The exact range of this bird within our limits is uncertain,
it having been so frequently confused with the succeeding
species. A. D. Millar found the white egg of this species on
three occasions in the nest of the Fiskal Shrike.
The Black and Grey Cuckoo (Coccystes hypopinarvus)
closely resembles the foregoing bird, but has the under-parts
of a slate-grey colour, the sides of the neck and breast
suffused and slightly streaked with black. Length, 18} to
133 inches.
Its range seems to be fairly general in South Africa, as
we have procured specimens in the Beaufort West and
288 BIRD-PARASITES
Albany Divisions of Cape Colony and at Modderfontein and
Waterval North, Transvaal. At the latter place they were
exceedingly common in February amongst the thorn scrub
about two miles from the Aapies River, often indulging
in a harsh, laughing ery. They go about in pairs and feed
largely on hairy caterpillars, and various insects. This bird
lays a white egg. In this connection we give an illustration
of a Sombre Bulbul at nest (Fig. 90) ; this nest contained four
Cuckoo eggs, besides the two marbled eggs of the rightful
owners, who were flitting about excitedly in the vicinity of
their over-loaded nest. Close by were three Cuckoos (Coccystes
hypopinarius, C. serratus, and Cuculus clamosus), and judging
by the various shapes and sizes of the Cuckoos’ eggs we have
no doubt that all three birds had utilised the one small
nest. We also on two occasions took the egg of this Cuckoo
from the nest of the Yellow-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike, and
one from the nest of the Cape Bulbul.
There is another rarer species (C. caffer), resembling the
preceding bird rather closely, bemg however a little larger,
and having the slate-grey of the previous species replaced by
white. Nothing is known of its breeding habits.
The Black-crested Cuckoo (Coccystes serratus) is black
glossed with green above and below, relieved only by a white
band on the wing.
It also lays a white egg, and uses the nests of various
birds as a repository. The Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis)
is, however, the usual host, according to Atmore. We took
an egg from the nest of the Red-faced Mouse-bird.
NAME INDEX
Agriculturist, foes of, 82-107; friends of, 10~81, 117, 159, 195, 207,
221-224, 280
Aquatic weeds on the Aapies River, 198
Babblers, 168-170
Jardine’s (Kakelaar), 168
Pied, 169
Barbets, 53-57
Black-collared, 53
Pied, 54
Crested, 57
Tinker-Bird, Cape, 55, 56; origin of name, 55
Tinker-Bird, Yellow-fronted, 55
Bee-eater, 46-48
European (Berg Zwaluw), 46; a migrant, 46
Blue-cheeked, 46; a migrant, 46
Carmine-throated, 47; its great beauty, 47; a gorgeous sight, 47
Little, 47
White-fronted, 47
Bird architects, 85, 108-142
Bird-parasites, 268-288
Birds of river and vlei, 228-259 ; of sea and coast, 260-267
Bishop- and Widow-Birds, 118-124
Red Bishop (Kaffir-fink), 118, 119 ; gregarious, 119 ; very destructive
to grain crops, 119
Golden Bishop,.,420
Cape or Yellow'Bishop, 120, 121
Long-tailed Widow (Sakabula), 121
Red-collared Widow, 122, 123
Pintailed Whydah (Koning Rooibekje), 123
Shaft-tailed Widow, 123
Paradise Widow, 124
Bitterns, 240
Bulbuls, 85-86 ; great fruit-thieves, 86; hosts of Cuckoos, 86, 170
Sombre (Bosch-vogel, Pilawit), 169
U
290 NAME INDEX
Buntings, 14, 151, 152
Cape, 14
Rock, 14
Golden-breasted, 151, 152
Bustards, 213-216
Black Korhaan, 213
White-quilled Korhaan, 213
Vaal Korhaan, 213
White-necked Paauw, 213
Stanley Paauw, 213
Black-bellied Korhaan, 214
Blue Korhaan, 214, 215
Barrows Korhaan, 215
Gom Paauw or Kori Bustard, 215
Buzzards, 97-102
Jackal, 97, 98, 100, 101; photographing experiences, 99
Steppe, 99; a migrant, 102
Canaries and Seedeaters, 143-148
Cape Canary, 143-145; a renowned songster, 145; takes readily to
confinement, 145
Large Yellow Seedeater (Geel-seisje and ‘‘ Bully ’’), 146
Small ditto (Kleine-seisje), 146
Icterine Seedeater (“‘ Yellow-eye ”), 146 ; exported as a cage-bird, 146
White-throated Seedeater (Dik-bek Seisje or Berg-seisje), 146; has a
loud musical song, 147
Yellow-rumped (Black-throated) Seedeater, 147
Mountain Canary (Black-head), 147; favourite song-bird, 147;
thrives in captivity, 147
Streaky-headed Seed -eater, 147, 148 ; no mean songster, 147
Chats, 24-31
Ant-eating, 24
Buff-streaked, 24
South African Stone (Bontrockie), 26
Mountain, 27
Capped Wheatear (Schaap-wachter), 27
Familiar (Spekvreter), 27
Sickle-wing (Dagbreker), 28
White-shouldered Bush, 29
See also Robin Chats
Colies, see Mousebirds
Cormorants, 234-235, 260-261
White-breasted Duiker, 34
Long-tailed, 235
Snake-Bird (Darter), 235; origin of name, 235
Cape, 260, 261
Speckle-necked, 260
NAME INDEX 291
Coucals (Vlei Louries), 57-60 ; not parasitic, 57
Black-headed, 57
White-browed, 57, 58
Black-breasted, 59
Green, 60
Coursers (Draverkies), 219-221
Rufous, 219
Black-winged, 220
Burchell’s, 220
Two-banded, 220
Bronze-winged, 221
Crakes. See Rails
Cranes, 210-212
Wattled, 210
Blue or Stanley, 210, 211
Crowned (Kaffir Crane; Mahem), 212
Crows, 196-197
Pied (Bonte Kraai), 196
Black, 196, 197,; a Cuckoo host, 197
Cuckoos, 275-288 ; bird-parasites, 275; hosts, 275, 276; the Kappok-
vogel as host, 275; friends of the farmer, 280
South African, 277; a migrant, 277
European, 277; a migrant, 278
Red-chested (Piet mynvrouw), 277, 278, 279; a migrant, 279;
hosts, 279
Black, 279, 280; a migrant, 279; hosts, 279
Emerald, 280; its wide range, 281; host, 281
Klaas’ or Bronze, 281, 282; a partial migrant, 284; hosts, 284
Diedric or Golden, 283, 284; origin of name, 284; hosts,
285
Great Spotted, 285, 286; a migrant, 285; hosts, 287
Black and White, 287; host, 287
Black and Grey, 287 ; hosts, 288
Black-crested, 288; host, 288
Cuckoo-Shrikes, 35-37
Black, 36, 37
Yellow-shouldered, 37
Grey, 37
Dikkops (Moonbirds), 216-218
Bush, 216
Water, 217, 218
Doves, 186-195
Green Fruit Pigeon, 187
Southern Green Fruit Pigeon, 187; a partial migrant, 187
Speckled or Rock Pigeon (Bosch-duif), 187, 188
Olive Pigeon (Black, or Bush Pigeon), 188, 189
292 NAME INDEX
Doves—continued.
Turtle-Doves, 191
Red-eyed Dove, 191
Cape Turtle-Dove (Tortel-duif), 191
Laughing Dove, 192; its strange call-note, 192
Namaqua Dove, 192
Tambourine Dove, 193; derivation of its name, 193
Emerald-spotted Dove, 193, 194
Cinnamon Dove, 193
Drongo-Shrikes (Bijvangers), 174-177
Fork-tailed, 174, 175; an excellent mimic, 173; singularly attracted
by a grass fire, 175
Square-tailed, 175, 176
Ducks, see Geese ; probably double-brooded, 252
Eagles, 7, 91-96
Black (Dassievanger), 91; preys on lambs and goats, 94
Tawny (Coo-vogel), 94; preys on sheep, goats, and carrion, 94
Brown Crested, 94
African Hawk, 94; a poultry-destroyer, 94
Martial Hawk, 92, 94; preys on antelopes, hares, etc., 94
Crowned Hawk, 93, 95
Crested Hawk, 96
Bateleur (Berghaan), 96
Egrets. See Herons
Falcons, 89-91
South African Lanner, 89, 90; a poultry-stealer, 89
South African Peregrine, 89
Red-necked, 89 -
Pigmy, 89, 91
Farmer’s foes, ete. See Agriculturist
Flamingoes, 243, 244
Greater, 243
Lesser, 244
African Spoonbill, 244
Flycatche:s, 31-35
Dusky, 31
Cape, 31
White-flanked, 32, 33
Pririt, 32
Paradise, 34
Lead-headed, 35
Spotted, 35
Francolins (Pheasants and Partridges ; Patrijse), 206-210
Cape Redwing, 208, 209
Grey Redwing (Beg Patrijs), 208
Orange River Francolin (Rooivlerk Patrijs), 208, 210
NAME INDEX 293
Friends of agriculturist, 10-81, 117, 159, 195, 207, 221-224, 280;
birds that should be protected, 81, 243
Gavie, 263-265
Southern Black-backed Gull, 263
Grey-headed Gull, 263
Hartland’s Gull, 263
Common Tern, 263
Geese and Ducks, 244-252
Spur-winged Goose (Wilde Macaauw), 244
Dwarf Goose, 24d
Egyptian Goose (Berg Gans), 245, 246
Yellow-billed Duck (Geelbek), 247
Black Duck, 247, 248, 249
Cape Widgeon, 250
Red-billed Teal (Smee-eendje), 250
European Shoveller, 250
Cape Shoveller, 250
South African Pochard, 250
White-backed Duck, 251
Grebe (Divers), 258-259
Great-crested, 258
Eared, 259
Cape Dabchick, 259
Guinea Fowl, 77-81
Crowned, 78, 79
Crested, 80
Gulls. See Gavie
Hammerhead (Hammerkop or Paddavanger), 139-142; its huge and
strangely-built nest, 139
Herons and Egrets, 237-240
Goliath Heron, 237
Grey Heron, 237; its wide range, 237
Black-headed Heron, 237
Purple Heron, 238 ; its wide range, 238
Great White Egret, 238; a migrant, 238
Yellow-billed Egret, 238
Little Egret, 238
Cattle Egret, 238
Green- backed Heron, 239
Night Heron, 239
White-backed Heron, 240
Honey-guides, 268-274; bird-parasites, 268; resemble Cuckoos in
many respects, 269; their honey-guiding instincts, 272; persist-
ence in appropriating nest of host, 273 ; hosts, 274
White-cheeked, 269 ; widely spread, 271; hosts, 271
294 NAME INDEX
Honey-guides—continued.
Yellow-throated, 271; host, 271
Scaly-throated, 270, 271; host, 272
Lesser, 272, 273; host, 272
Brown,.273; rare in South Africa, 273
Hoopoes, 37-41
South African, 37, 38; a partial migrant, 38
Red-billed Wood (Kakelaar) ; Monkey-Bird), 39, 40
Scimitar-billed, 41
Hornbills, 177-182
Trumpeter, 177
Crowned (Toucan), 177-181; sad photographing experience, 179
Red-billed, 181
Yellow-billed, 182
Ibises, 240-243
Sacred, 240
Bald (Wilde Kalkoen), 241
Hadadah, 242, 243 ; its economic value, 243
Impennes, 264-267
Common or Jackass Penguin, 264, 265, 266; origin of name, 267
Kestrels, 70-75
South African, 70, 71, 72
Larger, 70; a partial migrant, 71
Lesser, 73; a migrant, 73
Eastern Red-legged, 73; a migrant, 75
Kingfishers, 228-234
Pied, 228
Giant (Groote Vischvanger), 228
Half-collared (Blaauwe Vischvanger), 230
Malachite, 231
Natal, 232
Brown-hooded, 232, 233
Striped, 234
Angola, 234
Mangrove, 234
Kites, 102-104
Yellow-billed, 102 ; its Dutch name (Kuikendief) not merited, 102
Black-shouldered (Witte Sperwele, or Blaauw Valk), 102, 103; more
friend than enemy, 102
Korhaans, 213-215 (see Bustards) ; home of the, 198
Limmergeyer (Lammervanger), 7; exaggerated stories of, 7, 8
Lapwings. See Plovers
NAME INDEX 295
Larks, 199-201
Dark-naped, 200
Grey-backed, 200
Chestnut-backed, 200
Rufous-headed, 200, 201
Limicole, 262-263
Plovers (q.v.)
Black Oyster-catcher, 262
Sandpipers, 263 ,
Locust-Birds, 10-14
Wattled Starling (Klein Springhaan Vogel), 10, 11; nests of, 10
Pratincoles (Red-winged and Black-winged), 12 ; method of attacking
locusts, 12
White Stork (of German “‘ baby ” fame), 13; a migrant, 14
White-bellied Stork, 14
See Francolins, 206-210
Locusts, 10, 12, 14; birds that destroy, 10-14 and passim, 206-210, 243
Longclaws, 201-202
Orange-throated (Cut-throat Lark; Kalkoenkje), 201
Yellow-throated, 202
Pink-throated, 202
Lourie. See Plantain-eaters
Marabou Stork, 8
Mousebirds, or Colies (Muisvogel), 87-88; great fruit-thieves, 87;
origin of name, 87
Speckled, 87
White-backed, 88
Red-faced, 88
Nightjars, 42-45
Standard-winged, 42
South African, 42, 43
Rufous. cheeked, 44
European, 44
Orioles, 154-156
Golden Oriole, 154 i
Black-headed Oriole, 155, 156; a partial migrant, 156
Ornaments of the veld, 196-227
Ostrich, the, 224-227; its value when domesticated, 225; numbers
still wild, 226; diseases, 226
Owls, 60-70
Barn (Dood-vogel), 60, 61; superstition respecting, 60
Grass, 61, 62; its name, 63
White-faced, 63, 64
296 NAME INDEX
Owls—continued.
Marsh, 63
. Bush, 65, 68
Cape Eagle, 66, 68
Spotted Eagle, 67, 68, 69; superstition respecting, 68
Giant Eagle, 69
Little Scops, 70
Pearl-spotted, 70
Oxpeckers (Tick-Birds), 199
Yellow-billed, 199
Red-billed, 199
Oystereatcher. See Limicole
Parrots, 185-186
~Red-shouldered, 185
Brown-headed, 185
Meyer’s, 186
Rosy-faced Lovebird, 186
Black-cheeked Lovebird, 186
Pelicans, 235-236
Eastern White, 235
Pink-backed, 236
Penduline Tits (Kappok-vogel), 131-132; the neatest architects of
the avian world, 131; object of shallow pouch in nest, 131, 132
Cape, 131, 132
Transvaal, 132
Penguins. See Impennes
Photographing experiences, 97, 179
Pipits, 202-203
Tree, 202; a migrant, 202
Cinnamon-backed (Koester), 202
Lesser Tawny (Koester), 202
Vaal River (Koester), 202
Golden, 203
Plantain-eaters, 182-185
Knysna Plantain-eater (Common Lourie), 182, 184; high per-
centage of copper in its wings, 183
Livingstone’s Lourie, 183
Purple-crested Lourie, 183
“ Go-away,”’ or Groote Muisvogel, 185
+ Plovers and Lapwings, 221-224, 255-257, 262
Blacksmith Plover, 221; origin of name, 221
Crowned Lapwing, 222, 223
Black-winged Plover, 222, 224
Three-banded Plover (Strand-looper), 255, 256
Sand Plover, 256
NAME INDEX 297
Plovers and Lapwings—continued.
Curlew, 257; a migrant, 257
White-fronted Sand Plover, 262
Other species, 257
Pratincoles. See Locust-Birds
Protection of birds, 81, 243
Quails, 75-77; their high economic value, 75, 76
Cape (Kwartel), 76, 77; an irregular migrant, 77
Harlequin, 77
Rails and Crakes, 252-253
Kaffir Rail, 252
South African Crake, 252
European Crake, 252
Spotted Crake, 252
Black Crake, 253
Ravens. See Vultures and Ravens
River and vlei, birds of, 228-259
Robins, 170-173
Cape Robin (Jan Fredric), 170
Noisy Robin-Chat (Piet-myn-vrow ; Mocking-Bird), 171
Natal Robin-Chat, 172 4
Brown Robin-Chat, 172
Black Bush Robin (Sacred Jackhangar), 172; misnamed “Silent,” ©
173; an excellent mimic, 173; sometimes classed as “ Fly-
catcher,” 173
Rollers, 45-46 ; origin of name, 46
European, 45; a migrant, 45
Purple, 45
Lilac-breasted, 45
Racquet-tailed, 45
Cinnamon, 46
Sandgrouse, 205-206
Variegated (Geele Patrijs), 205
Yellow-throated (Nacht Patrijs), 205
Double-banded, 206
Namaqua (Namaqua Patrijs), 206
Sandpipers. See Limicole
Scavengers of the veld, 1-9
Sea and coast, birds of, 260-267
Secretary-Bird, 204; origin of name, 204; formerly protected,. 204 ;
an exciting hunt with greyhounds, 204
Shrikes, 159-168
Long-tailed, 159
298 NAME INDEX
Shrikes—continued.
Fiskal, 160; its ‘‘ shambles,” 160; a good story, 161; its many
names, 161
Red-backed, 161; a migrant, 161
Brubru, 161
Black-headed Bush (Inqupan), 162
Tchagra Bush, 162; its peculiarly “‘ human ’”’ whistle, 162
Three-streaked Bush, 162, 163
Puft-backed (Snowball), 163, 164
Greater Puff-back, 165
Crimson-breasted, 165
Bakbakiri (Kokevic), 165, 166
Four-coloured Bush, 166
Ruddy-breasted Bush, 167
Olive Bush, 167
Orange-breasted Bush, 167
Grey-headed Bush (Spook-vogel), 168
Zambesi Green, 168
See also Cuckoo-Shrikes ; Drongo-Shrikes
Snipe, 257-258
Double, 257
Ethiopian, 257
Painted, 258; widely distributed, 258
Sparrow-Hawks, 104-107
Little, 104
African, 104
African Goshawk, 104, 106; a great poultry-thief, 107
Little-banded, 107
Sparrows, 148-151; useful at times, often very destructive, 148
Diamond, 148, 150; its name “‘ Rock” Sparrow, inappropriate, 149
Cape (Mossie), South African equivalent of the English House
Sparrow, 149
Greater South African, 151
Grey-headed, 151
Starlings, 82-84, 152-154
Pied (Spreeuw), 82
Red-wing (Rooivlerk), 82, 83, 84
Wattled, 153. See also Locust-Birds
Red-shouldered Glossy (Green Spreeuw), 153
Lesser ditto, 153
Green-headed Glossy, 153
Black-bellied Glossy, 153
Plum-coloured, 154
Steganopodes, 260-262
Cormorants (q.v.)
Gannets, 262
Storks. See Locust-Birds; Marabou Stork
NAME INDEX
Sugar-Birds (Zuiker-vogels), 18-20
Cape Long-tailed, 19, 20
Cape, 20
Natal, 20
See also Sunbirds
Sunbirds (Zuikerbekjes), 20, 124-131
Malachite, 124, 125
Bifasciated, 124
White-breasted, 126
Greater Double-collared, 126
Lesser ditto, 127
Scarlet-chested, 127
Black, 127, 128, 130
Mouse-coloured, 129
Orange-breasted, 129
Collared, 129
Swallows, 132-137
Rock Martin, 133
European, 134; a migrant, 134
White-throated, 134; a migrant, 134
Pearl-breasted, 134, 135
Larger Stripe-breasted, 135
Lesser ditto, 135, 136
Red-breasted, 135
Cliff, 135, 137
Swifts, 41-42
European, 41
Indian, 41
White-bellied, 42
White-rumped, 42
Thrushes, 21-24
Ground Scraper, 21
Cape, 21
Orange-billed, 21
Kurrichaine, 22
Cape Rock, 22, 23
Sentinel Rock, 22
Short-toed Rush, 22
Tick-Birds. See Oxpeckers
Tit-Babblers, 20, 21
Red-vented, 20
Tits, 158-159
Black, 158, 159; favourite host of the Honey-guides, 159
Black-breasted, 159
See also Penduline Tits
Trogon, Narina, 182
299
300 NAME INDEX
Turbinares, 265
Cape Hen (Stink-pot), 265
Giant Petrel (Mutton-Bird), 265
Cape Petrel (Cape Pigeon), 265
Mollymawk, 265
Veld, ornaments of the, 196-227 ; scavengers of the, 1-9
Vultures and Ravens, 1-7; usefulness of, 1 ; repulsive habits of feeding,
2; strange superstition respecting, 5 :
Common Vulture (Aasvogel), 1; new phase in its economy, 2
White-necked Raven, 2, 6
South African Griffon Vulture, 3
Black Vulture (Koning Aasvogel), 4; ‘respected ” by other Vultures,
4; a strange scene, 4 ;
African White-backed Vulture, 5
Egyptian Vulture, 7
Wagtails (Quickies or Quickstertjes), 15-18
African Pied, 15
Grey-backed, 15
Cape, 15, 17
Long-tailed, 16
Ray’s Yellow, 18; a migrant, 18
Blue-headed, 18; a migrant, 18
Black-headed, 18; a migrant, 18
Warblers, 21, 137-139; a typical home, 198
Green-backed Bush (Tailor-Bird ; Bush Goat), 137
Crombec (Stomp-stirtje), 138
Black-chested Wren, 138
Grass, 139 ; a large group, 139
Water-Fowl, 253-255
Moorhen (Rooi-bles Hoender, or Rooi-bles Riet Haan), 253; widely
spread, 253
Lesser Moorhen, 253
King Reed-Hen, or Purple Gallinule, 253, 254
Red-knobbed Coot, 253; its two curious calls, 255
Waxbills, 115-118
South African Ruddy, 115
Common (Rooibekje), 116
Blue-breasted, 116 ;
Violet-eared, 116; the most beautiful of the sub-family Estrildine,
116
Orange-breasted (Zebra), 116
Swee, 117 ;
Social, 117; remarkable community nest, 118
Bar-breasted Weaver-Finch (Tink-tinkie), 117
NAME INDEX 301
Waxbills—continued.
Red-headed Weaver-Finch, 118
“*Cut-throat,” 118
Weaver-Birds, 84-85
Pink-billed, 84
Red Bishop, 84
Long-tailed Widow, 84
See also Weavers, True; Waxbills; Widow- and Bishop-Birds
Weavers, True, 108-115
Masked, 108; nests, 109
Spotted-backed, 109
Yellow, 110
Bottle, 110, 111; its wonderful nest, 110
Cape, 110, 112
Forest (Bush-musician or Bos-musikant), 112, 113; its song, 113
Red-headed, 113
Buffalo, 114; its community nest, 114
White-browed, 114
Scaly—teathered, 115
White-Eyes (Kersoogie), 156-158
Green, 156
Cape, 156, 157
Woodpeckers, 48-53
Ground, 48, 49; its subterranean nest, 48-51
Knysna, 52
Cardinal, 52
Olive, 52
South African Wryneck, 52, 53
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