196 Mr. F. A. Barratt's Xotcs on the Birds 



8. MiLVUS KORSCHUN. 



I first observed this bird near Kronstadt, but I did not 

 manage to shoot it. I have since procured it in Potchef- 

 stroom district, also near Rustenberg. I think I have seen 

 it catching locusts with its feet ; but the locusts were so thick 

 that I could not observe the fact with certainty. 



9. ElANUS CiERULEUS. 



Procured one near Rustenberg. It attracted my attention 

 by a harsh cry, high in the air, which I thought to be that 

 of an Eagle ; but, to my surj)rise, I found it proceeded from 

 this bird. 



10. Cerchneis tinnunculoides. 



I procured this bird near Rustenberg, also in the district 

 of Potchefstroom. They feed on locusts ; and after feeding, 

 they will sit on a high tree, occasionally cleaning themselves, 

 in sleepy repose. 



11. Cerchneis rupicoloides. 



This Kestrel appears to me to be the commonest one in 

 the Transvaal. I have shot it in the Lydenburg district, near 

 Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Rustenberg, and on my journey from 

 Bloemfontein to Potchefstroom. One day I had shot a Black 

 Knorhaan, which skulked away in the grass; and on tui-ning 

 my head I perceived a Kestrel (C. rupicoloides) hovering 

 within a few yards of the place. He came down, and a battle 

 ensued ; I, being anxious, ran to procure my bird, when the 

 Kestrel flew off to a neighbouring bush ; and while I turned 

 to look at him the Knorhaan had gone. As I had not time 

 to search for him I conclude the Kestrel had a good meal. 

 They appear to be gregarious, as I have often counted nine 

 or ten of them on one tree, 



12. Bubo maculosus. 



Very common in the Transvaal. I have shot and observed 

 it between Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom, between the 

 latter place and Rustenberg, and near Pretoria. The cracking 

 noise they constantly make with their bill, more especially 

 when wounded, at once distinguishes them from most of the 



