CHARADIUAD^. 263 



Mr. Andersson^s specimens agree exceedingly well with the 

 figure in 'The Ibis^ above referred to ; and from examining them, 

 I am led to the opinion that the natural position of this species 

 is intermediate between Cursorius chalcopferus and C, bicinctus. 



So far as I am aware, the type specimen and the pair in INIr. 

 Harting's collection are the only examples known; there is no 

 perceptible difference between the sexes. — En.] 



307. Cursorius Chalcopterus, Temm. Violet-winged Courser. 



Cursorius chalcopterus, Gray's Genera of Birds, vol. iii. p. 537, 



pi. 143. 

 „ „ Layard's Cat. No. 5.54. 



„ „ Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 414. 



„ ,, Finsch & Hartlaub's Vogel Ost-Afrika's, 



p. 629. 



The Violet-winged Courser arrives in Damara Land 

 in small flocks at the beginning of the rainy season. 

 On their first arrival they keep exclusively to the bush, 

 but later disperse themselves more over the open. The 

 cause of their first seeking cover is explained by the 

 circumstance of their reaching Damara Land in a moult- 

 ing condition, or about to change their plumage, when 

 of course the bush affords them better chance of escape 

 and concealment from their natural enemies. They are 

 not particularly wild, yet often very difficult to obtain, 

 as they stick to the cover with great tenacity, and 

 when suddenly flushed the bird just darts behind the 

 nearest bush or tree, when it alights and continues its 

 flight by hard running, only using its wings in its utmost 

 need. During the heat of the day they remain nearly 

 stationary. This species feeds on insects of various 

 kinds. The flesh is very dark-coloured but excellent 

 eating. 



