Dr. J. Kirk on the Birds of the Zambesi Region. 335 



Pistia comes down with the rise of the water in masses and covers 

 the surface of the Zambesi, these oirds run about on the water- 

 weeds, flying from one mass to another. The natives have a 

 pecuhar abhorrence of the flesh, although the birds are fat and 

 well-flavoured. 



Fam. RALLIDiE. 



133. PORPHYRIO, Sp. ? 



No specimen obtained ; but in the Quilimane marshes it is 

 frequent. . Colour, clear blue. 



134. Rallus c^rulescens. 



Common in the grass, bordering marshes, in the upper part 

 of the river Shire. 



135. LiMNOCORAx MosAMBicus, Peters. Native name, 

 " Nwana gombe a nwana." 



Common in all the marshes, living in the grass, and feeding 

 among the floating vegetation. Never flying further than a few 

 yards. 



Fam. FHCENICOPTERIDiE. 



136. Phcenicopterus parvus. 



Zambesi Delta, Shire valley, Lake Nyassa, Mozambique. A 

 constant dweller throughout the year in the Zambesi Delta 

 Found in other parts during the wet season only. It is com- 

 monly in large flocks. Considered excellent food, but difficult 

 to obtain. 



Fam. ANATIDiE. 



137. Sarcidiornis africanus. Native name, " Nango 

 mwamba.^^ 



Found only during the rainy season and the few months 

 which follow, but not seen during the dry hot time. Feeds in 

 fields and marshes; perches readily on trees. The flesh is 

 good, more tender than that of the Black Goose, but without 

 the delicate flavour of the Whistling Duck. 



138. Plectropterus gambensis. Native name, " Tsekwe," 

 from its note. 



These birds vary from 10 to 14 lbs. weight. They come 



