from the Colony of Natal. 359, 



that a few of them would soon clear a hive. They generally 

 take up a position on a dead bough of any convenient tree, and 

 dart from thence upon insects as they pass. Their ordinary flight 

 is of a dipping character. 



CoLius STRiATUS, Gmcl. Striated Coly. 



These Colics are always found in small companies, excepting 

 during the time of breeding. They inhabit the bush, and are fond 

 of climbing about and sunning themselves on any trees well 

 covered with thick creeping plants. They are destructive in a 

 garden, attacking soft fruits, such as loquats, &c. I rather think 

 that when roosting they hang with their heads downwards, the 

 whole family being nestled together ; but those I have seen have 

 generally flown ofi" so quickly that I could not be positively 

 certain as to their position. 



CoLUMBA TRiGONiGERA, Wagl. Roussard Pigeon. 



Male. The iris is double, the outer ring red, the inner tawny ; 

 bill black ; bare skin round the eye dark lake-red ; tarsi and feet 

 dull red. During the winter months these Pigeons assemble in 

 considerable flights and feed on the cultivated grounds and farms 

 inland, picking up the Indian corn and other grain that has 

 fallen to the ground. 



They are numerous in the environs of Maritzburg, and afibrd 

 very good sport, the early morning being the best time to get 

 them ; they are very good eating. Their note is much the same 

 as that of the common tame Pigeon. They are sometimes found 

 on the coast, but not plentifully, 



Peristera tympanistria, Temm. Tambourine Dove. 



Male. Iris hazel ; bill dark purple ; tarsi and feet deep pink. 

 These pretty Doves inhabit the bushy country on the coast-line, 

 gradually becoming scarcer as we proceed inland. Their note is 

 a soft and melancholy coo-coo, uttered slowly at first, then gra- 

 dually more and more quickly, until at last it ends in a pro- 

 longed rattle. They feed on the seeds of trees that drop on 

 the ground (such as those of the castor-oil plant, which is indi- 

 genous here), and they may be seen actively running about in 

 search of such food. Their flight is exceedingly rapid ; they are 

 found singly or in pairs, but never in companies. 



