Mushonulund Birds. 267 



224. Scopus itmbretta. (Hararaerkop.) 



Though never very plentiful, a few pairs of this singular 

 bird are to be found on almost every stream. I have not 

 often had an opportunity of witnessing their weird gambols ; 

 but a short time ago I discovered three of them as they 

 were solemnly dancing round one another, bowing and 

 flapping their wings and exhibiting all sorts of strange 

 antics, the whole performance appearing all the more 

 ludicrous in so stolid-looking a bird. They are readily 

 approachable, and usually their flight is somewhat laboured, 

 though occasionally I have seen one rise in big circles higher 

 and higher until almost out of sight and then descend swiftly 

 again to the water. They are fond of frequenting a limited 

 area for a considerable time, and will aways return to their 

 favourite spot if not too rudely disturbed. The singularly 

 large nests of this bird have otten been described ; they are 

 generally placed in rather inaccessible places, but the only 

 one I know of in this locality has been built on a broad tree- 

 trunk projecting over a stream. 



225. CicoNiA NIGRA. (Black Stork.) 



I have seen but very few specimens of this handsome Stork. 



It is remarkable that we have not met with any examples 

 of the common White Stork as yet, for, although their 

 migrations are erratic, yet there have been plenty of locusts 

 to attract them during the last six years. It is possible that 

 their line of migration may lie more to the westward, as 

 Mr. Buckley met with them in immense flocks in Southern 

 Matabeleland, whereas in the Transvaal Mr. Ayres says they 

 are rare visitants and do not seem to fellow the locust-swarms 

 thither. 



226. CicoNiA ABDiMii. (White-bcllied Black Stork.) 



A few small parties of this species have been observed 

 round Salisbury during the past summer. The soft parts of a 

 specimen in my collection were as follows : — Bill jade-green, 

 tip dull red ; iris brown ; bare parts of face thus : forehead 

 pinkish white, chin and a large spot in front of eye crimson, 

 remainder blue ; knees and toes dull crimson, rest of legs 



