270 Mr. H. F. Y^^'xthevhy— Ornithological 



87. *MiLvus ^uYPTius (Gm.). 



Fairly common and very bold. It would often swoop 

 down into the middle of the camp and carry off some tit-bit. 

 A good many frequent the town of Omdurman. 



88. *Haliaetus vocifer (Daud.). 



This fine Eagle w^as frequently met with, either perched in 

 some tree near the river, or sitting on a bed of " oysters " 

 (^thma). It struck me as a very inactive bird, and its 

 white " hood^^ always made it conspicuous. 



The body of one which we shot was cooked and eaten 

 with considerable relish by our men two hours after the bird 

 had been killed. 



Adult. Iris granulated brown ; bill pale yellow at base, 

 horn-colour at tip ; cere and orbits very pale yellow ; legs 

 and feet white. 



89. "^Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.). 



This striking bird was only occasionally seen. Although 

 much more shy than the preceding species, on one occasion 

 it allowed us to approach within 30 yards of the tree in 

 which it was sitting. The brilliant crimson bill and feet 

 make a striking contrast to the dark plumage. When flying 

 overhead, the light grey under the wings has a well-defined 

 outline, even at a considerable distance. 



90. Melierax polyzonus (Riipp.). 



Fairly common. I once saw it sitting sleepily in an 

 acacia within a few feet of a Little Bittern. It has a loud 

 squealing note. 



Adult. Iris dark brown; bill and cere pale vermilion-red, 

 with tips of both mandibles black; legs and feet vermilion- 

 red. 



91. Circus macrurus (Gm.). 

 Not numerous. 



Adult. Iris pale golden colour ; bill black ; legs and feet 

 bright yellow. 



92. *Gyps rueppelli (Brehm). 



"We did not shoot any Vultures, but we saw here and there 



