SOUTH AFRICAN BIRDS AND TMKIR DIET 

 The Lourie. 



(Genera — Turacus^ Gallirex^ and Schizorhis.) 



Diet. — The louries inhabit the forests, and feed on wild 

 fruits and berries which are swallowed whole, if sufficiently- 

 small. One species, viz, (Turaciis corythaix)^ sometimes invades 

 banana plantations and feeds on the fruit. Louries are shy 

 birds, and seldom venture into orchards unless they happen to 

 be adjacent to their forest home. 



ORDER III. PSITTACI. 



Parrots and Love Birds. 



(Genera — Pceocephalus and Agapornh.) 



Diet, — The parrots and love birds inhabit the forests and 

 bush-covered localities generally, and feed on wild fruits, nuts, 

 and berries. One of the South African parrots {Poeocephalus 

 fuscicapillus) sometimes frequents mealie fields and feasts on the 

 milky immature corn. 



ORDER IV.— STRIGES. 

 The Barn Owl, or Dood Vogel. 



( Strix flammea.) 



Diet. — The barn owl frequents the habitations of man, and 

 feeds on mice and small species of rats which it captures during 

 the hours of darkness. When these rodents are insufficient 

 for its needs, it preys on the larger insects. This owl is of 

 inestimable value to the farmer. 



Impelled by the stupid superstition that these owls are 

 unlucky, many people foolishly destroy them. 



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