300 Mr. Ayres im Birds of 



happen to come too near their nests, and actually driving thetn 

 away by their incessant noise and annoyance. 



55. (L. 560.) Vanellus coronatus, Tenini. Crowned 

 Plover. 



The nest of this species is precisely similar to that of the 

 Black-and-white Spurwing, and is placed in similar situations; 

 the eggs are from two to four in number. 



56. (L. 566.) iEciALiTis kittlitzi (Reich.). Kittlitz's 

 Plover. 



These birds frequent the muddy flats, and run with consider- 

 able swiftness, stopping suddenly and bobbing the head, as many 

 of the Plovers do. They remain through the summer and breed 

 in the Trans-Vaal. 



Eye large, iris very dark ; bill black ; tarsi and feet ashy black. 



57. (L. 574.) Anthropoides stanleyanus, Vig. Stanley 

 Crane. 



Common here, and breeds plentifully, choosing situations 

 very similar to those selected by Eupodotis caffra. 



58. (L. 589.) Ardetta pusilla (Vieill.). Rufous-necked 

 Little Bittern. 



[The remarks of Mr. Ayres lately given by me (Ibis, 1868, 

 p. 469) under the head of Ardeita minuta, were intended by him 

 to apply to the present species ; and I regret having erroneously 

 assigned them. — J. H. G.] 



59. (L. 591.) Botaurus capensis (Schl.). Cape Bittern. 



I first met with these birds amongst the rushes in the swamps 

 surrounding Potchefstroom, where they lie concealed during the 

 day, emerging from their covert towards dark to seek their 

 favourite feeding-grounds ; at this time they frequently fly over 

 one's head on their passage. Their flight is slow and laboured ; 

 and a loud harsh " quirk " is occasionally uttered as they pass. 

 When wounded they are extremely pugnacious, defending them- 

 selves with great pertinacity : they throw themselves on their 

 backs, and, with claws and bill (which are both exceedingly sharp 

 and strong) advanced, make rather a formidable appearance, 

 more especially as the fcatheis round the neck are ruffled up at 



