NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



The Kingfisher. 



(Genera — Ceryle^ Alcedo^ Corythornis^ and Isptdina.) 



Diet. — The food of the kingfishers of the above genera 

 consists chiefly of fishes, supplemented by small reptiles, batra- 

 chia, shrimps, small crabs, and insects. The kingfishers are 

 consequently not of much, if any, economic value to man. 

 Fish, reptiles, and batrachia feed largely on injurious insects 

 and their larvae, and crabs are the scavengers of the rivers. 



The Bush Kingfisher. 



(Genus — Halcyon,) 



Diet. — These kingfishers inhabit the bush-veld, and although 

 often far from water they are usually to be found in trees 

 fringing rivers, ponds, and marshes. Their food consists of 

 the larger insects, such as grasshoppers, grubs, crickets, beetles, 

 etc., which they take on the ground. They do not prey on 

 fish. I have seen them now and then capture and eat small 

 snakes. Kingfishers of the genus Halcyon are of considerable 

 economic value to man. 



The Coly. 

 Mouse Bird, or Muis Vogel. 



(Genus — CoUus.) 



Diet. — The coly or mouse bird feeds almost exclusively 

 on fruit. It also attacks and eats ripe pumpkins, tomatoes, and 

 other soft vegetables. In captivity it eagerly devours all 

 kinds of root crops, such as carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes, 

 beets, etc. The coly or mouse bird, of which there are several 

 species, may be written off^ as vermin. 



The Ground Hornbill. 

 Brom Vogel, or Turkey Buzzard. 



{Bucorax cafer.) 



Diet. — This large ground bird feeds on insects and their 

 larvae which devour pasturage. They dig up the larvae with 



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