Birds in the Cradock and Tarkasiad Districts 183 



TurtuT capicola (Cape Turtle Dove). — Exceedingly plentiful 

 throughout both districts. I have taken nests in September 

 and several times in June. 



Oena capensis (Namaqua Dove). — This pretty little dove is very 

 common in both districts. The eggs of this species are a 

 departure from the usual white eggs of this family, being a 

 pretty dark cream colour. On several occasions I have 

 found nests built right on the ground, in one instance in a 

 ploughed field. The nesting months are Sept., Oct., Nov., 

 Dec. and January. 



Numida coronata (Crowned Guinea Fowl). — This bird is found 

 in great numbers in certain localities in both distrcts, chiefly 

 where there is plenty of bush to afford it cover. The only 

 nests that have come under my observation were found in 

 the month of March. 



Francolinus afer (Grey-winged Partridge). — This is the common 

 partridge of both districts being found chiefly in the 

 mountains. December is the usual nesting month. 



Francolinus levaillanti (Red-wing Partridge). — In certain parts 

 of the Tarkastad district this fine bird is fairly common. 



Coturnix coturnix africana (African Quail). — In some seasons 

 there is a great influx of this species to both districts. It is 

 very fond of lucerne lands both as a feeding and nesting 

 ground. I have found a great many nests in the months 

 of Oct., Nov., Jan., March and April. 



Serpentarius serpeniarius (Secretary Bird).— This handsome bird 

 can be found stalking about the veldt in pairs throughout 

 both districts, but is nowhere common. It builds a huge 

 flat nest on the top of a mimosa tree, generally choosing the 

 thorniest tree in the locility. September is the usual nest- 

 ing month in these districts. 



Melierax canorus (Chanting Goshawk). — This very handsome 

 bird is found in both districts but appears to be rare. I 

 have found it nesting in a mimosa tree at Halesowen, but 

 have no record of the date. 



