Dr. J. Kirk on the Birds of the Zambesi Reyioa. 317 



Kafne. By the natives it is respected from the nature of its 

 food, and from its killing snakes. 



Fam. STEIGID^. 



14. Bubo lacteus. 



The habits of this bird resemble those of the Scotopelia peli. 

 It is much more common, being rather plentiful among the 

 mountains, and not unfrequently met with in the Zambesi and 

 particularly the river Shire valley. They have been observed 

 commonly in pairs. 



15. Otus capensis. Smith, S. Afr. Zool, pi. 67. 



A common Owl in the clumps of trees bordering the valley, 

 over the grass plains, near which it hunts, during the dusk of 

 evening, in search of small animals. 



16. Athene capensis, Smith, ibid. pi. 33. 



Not unfrequent in wooded country near to open" plains. 

 Obtained in the river Shire valley, opposite the village of Chibisa, 

 in October. 



17. Scotopelia peli, Bp. : Ibis, 1859, pi. 15. 



One of the rarest of the Raptores in the Zambesi region. I 

 know of only three pairs having been seen, and of these five 

 birds were secured. The pairs frequented the same locality 

 every day, and, from their colour, were extremely difficult to 

 observe. Once started, they found more difficulty in again con- 

 cealing themselves, but remained exposed on some limb of a 

 tree, and might then be approached. They were observed 

 living in single pairs, both in August, before the rains, and in 

 March, in the spring. All three were inhabitants of the river 

 Shire valley, one at the confluence, the others near the Mur- 

 chisou Rapids. The food of this Owl is said by the natives to 

 be small animals and snakes. 



Fam. TURDIDiE. 



18. Bessonornis vociferans, Sw, 



Shot among mango-trees at Shupanga : in full plumage in 

 January. 



