Dr. J. Kirk on the Birds of the Zambesi Region. 331 



to the forest than the common Guineafowl, which frequents the 

 open plains, and resorts during the dry season to the river every 

 night. 



Fam. OTIDiE. 



103. Otis melanogaster. 



In Tropical Africa there are several species of Bustard. This 

 one only was obtained. This inhabits the grassy downs lying 

 between the mangrove-creeks and the sea-coast at the Zambesi 

 mouth. It is a very shy bird, difficult to approach. They 

 occur solitary or in pairs, and seem to remain throughout the 

 year. No marked difference observable on the wing appeared 

 between the sexes. But one only was shot, and that could be 

 obtained only by the rifle. In the Kalahari Desert there is a 

 much larger species ; and in the plains beyond the Victoria Falls 

 a smaller one, very similar, if not identical with the coast-bird, 

 is tolerably common. The same was seen on the shores of the 

 Nyassa Lake. 



Fam. GRUID^. 



104. Baleauica regulorum. Native name, "Garv;" in 

 the interior, " Mowang." 



Found on the Zambesi and Shire at all seasons ; also on Lake 

 Nyassa. It is seen in flocks in the interior; but near the coast 

 more commonly in small numbers. 



Fam. CHARADRIID^. 



105. ffiDiCNEMUS SENEGALENSis. Native name, " Maruro." 

 Frequent by the river-bank, Zambesi, Shire, and Roruma. 



106. Chettusia CRAssiROSTRis, DeFilippi. 



River Shire ; common in open cleared spaces and cultivated 

 fields. 



107. Vanellus LATERALIS, Smith, S. Afr. Zool. pi. 23. 



A very noisy bird, flying overhead and uttering its harsh 

 chattering cry. To the sportsman it is a peculiar annoyance, 

 as it is certain to direct the attention of the game to his presence. 

 Very frequent in cultivated fields near water. 



z 2 



