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



Africans look on this bird as unfit for food, and also as sacred, 

 or as possessing the power of witchcraft ; and to injure it is 

 everywhere regarded as unlucky. It haunts water, both running 

 and stagnant. In its nest it is the most remarkable of all 

 birds in Tropical Africa. This is built either on a ledge of 

 rock or more frequently in some large tree. It is the work of 

 a single pair, and yet is colossal, sometimes measuring six feet in 

 diameter, in the form of a flattened dome. The entrance is at 

 one side, and small. The greater part of the mass is solid, 

 and composed of sticks and branches of trees intimately woven 

 together. This serves for many years. The birds remain 

 throughout the year. 



128. Platalea, sp. ? 



No specimen was obtained, although the bird is not unfre- 

 quent on the Zambesi and lake. The bird resembles that of 

 Europe, as far as could be judged in the distance. 



Fam. TANTALIDiE. 



129. Tantalus ibis. 



Common in all the rivers ; feeding on the mud- and sand- 

 banks. 



Their flesh is very good ; but the outer layer of fat must be 

 removed, otherwise they are too oily. They feed in shallow 

 water, on small insects and larvae in the mud and sand. Com- 

 monly found in large flocks. 



130. Ibis religiosa, Cuv. 



Arrives from the north in December. It is found at all 

 seasons near the coast, where it feeds on the sea-shore at low 

 water. Its flesh is very good eating. . 



131. Falcinellus igneus. 



Rather common, but a shy bird, difficult to approach ; its cry 

 is loud and harsh. It feeds in marshes and near rivers, but 

 perches on the high trees when disturbed. 



Fam. PARRID/E. 



132. Parra africana. 



Very common wherever there are water-plants. When the 



