Ornithology of the Matopo District. 189 



River. It was sunning itself, with wings partially extended, 

 arter diving. 



3. :]: Nyroca capensis. South African Pochard. 



Ni/ruca erythrophthalma (Wied); Scl. iv. p. 147. 



Sind. " idada," also applied to other species of the family. 



The Pochard occurs on the Rhodes' Dam at odd times in 

 varying numbers. Of late years, owing to dry seasons and 

 the consequent ever-decreasing w^ater area, none of the 

 ducks have appeared in full force on the Dam. I have 

 heard of its occurrence on the Umzingwani River, but 

 have not noticed it there myself. 



J:. Anas undulata. Yellow-billed Duck. 

 This is our rarest duck, I think, and it OTily occasionally 

 puts in an appearance at the Dam. 



5. Anas sparsa. Black Duck. 



The only resident duck occurring in the district, and 

 although visiting the Dam upon occasion, it is never found 

 there in large numbers like the Pochard and Teal. In 1908, 

 a pair nested on the Malemi River in June, whilst I con- 

 tinually noticed another pair on the same river (but well 

 within the hills) in June 1912, and I have no doubt that 

 they also had a nest concealed amid the rushes somewhere. 

 Other localities where I have suspected them of nesting, 

 are the Ovi River and a spruit on Lucydale. When not 

 breeding, the Black Duck moves about a good deal, and is 

 usually to be found in all suitable places, although, on 

 account of it being a nocturnal feeder, and owing to the 

 facility with which it skulks off to concealment, its presence 

 may readily be overlooked. 



6. J Anas erythrorhyncha. Red- billed Teal. 

 Pcecilonetta erythrorhijncha Gm. ; Scl. iv. p. 141. 



The majority of the ducks which visit the Dam and minor 

 sheets of water on migration are referable to this species. 



7. X Sarkidiornis melanotus. Knob-billed Duck. 



The Muscovy, as it is generally called, visits us in some 

 numbers, and solitary immature birds occasionally stay for 

 mouths in certain favoured localities, but owing to their 



