20 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



rare in both Great Namaqua and Damara Land, es- 

 pecially in the latter, where I have only seen it once 

 or twice ; altogether I have probably not come across 

 above eight individuals, three-fourths of which I have 

 secured. 



It is always met with in pairs, and usually perches on 

 bushes or on the lower or middle branches of small 

 trees, though I have seen it on the topmost boughs of 

 lofty trees. I never saw it soar like other Falcons ; it is 

 not shy, and when disturbed it never moves further than 

 to the next conspicuous tree or bush. 



It feeds on small birds, mice, lizards, and coleopterous 

 insects, the latter being, I apprehend, its chief food. 



28. Elanus caeruleus (Dcsfont.). Sonnini's Kite. 



Elanus melanopteruf;, Gould's Birds of Europe, pi. 31. 



„ „ Layard's Cat. No. 38. 



Falco melanopterus, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 392, 



This is a rare bird in Damara Land, and is only found 

 about the estuaries of some of the large periodical 

 watercourses ; but it is not uncommon at Lake Ngami 

 and its watersheds. It is invariably seen either singly or 

 in pairs, and is usually difficult to approach on account 

 of its watchful habits and from its perching on the tops 

 of trees or lofty bushes. A pair observed in Ondonga 

 were heard to whistle to each other as they flew from 

 tree to tree. This species hunts at a moderate height, 

 but now and then ascends to a considerable elevation, 

 and at such times may be heard to utter a succession of 

 piercing cries. 



