184 H. W. James 



Buteo jakal (Jackal Buzzard). — I have observed this species 

 in both districts, but it is rather a rare bird. A specimen I 

 shot at Halesowen was found to have swallowed a Cobra 

 snake, about fifteen inches long, whole. 



Helotarsus ecaudaius (Bateleur Eagle). — I have observed this 

 Eagle a few times in the Cradock District. 



planus coeruleus (Black-shouldered Kite). — This ispecies is 

 found in both districts, but is nowhere very plentiful. The 

 nest is built in a high tree, generally a mimosa, the birds 

 keeping to one locality for many seasons if not disturbed. I 

 have records of nests taken in October and January. 



Falco biarmicus (South African Lanner). — I have only seen 

 this bird in the Cradock district where it is rare. I secured 

 a specimen at Halesowen. 



Cerchneis rupicoloides (Larger African Kestrel). — This is fairly 

 common in both districts. I took nests at Halesowen, but 

 have no records of the dates. In the Tarkastad district I 

 found a pair utilising a deserted Secretary Bird's nest. 

 There was only one egg, fairly well incubated, so that it 

 was certain that constituted the full clutch. This was un- 

 usual as the number of eggs is usually 4 to 5. The Tarka- 

 stad egg was found on the 1 7th September. 



Cerchneis rupicola (South African Kestrel). — This is common in 

 both districts. It is very fond of resting on the telegraph 

 wires. The nesting site is in a hole in a krantz or a high 

 river bank. 



Cerchneis naumanni (Lesser Kestrel). — This bird is occasionally 

 seen in Cradock in large flocks, roosting at night in the tall 

 trees growing in the streets. 



Bubo lacteus (Giant Eagle Owl). — This rare bird is found in 

 the Cradock district but to what extent I have never been 

 able to find out. I secured a fine specimen at Halesowen. 



Bubo maculosus (Spotted Eagle Owl). — This is a fairly com- 

 mon species in both districts. I have taken the eggs, two in 

 number, in the month of October. They were laid amongst 

 stones on the river bank. 



