NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



wonders when we will cease to slay our feathered allies for what 

 is termed " sport." 



These birds keep the fresh water snails in check. These 

 snails are the hosts of the liver fluke and bilharzia parasites. 



The Moor Hen. 



(Genus — Gallinula.) 



Diet. — Insect larvae, worms, slugs, small crabs, snails, seeds, 

 young grass, and other shoots which it obtains in marshes and 

 the margins of rivers, ponds, lakes, etc. 



The Reed Hen. 



(Genus — Porphyrio.) 



Diet. — Water plants, shoots of reeds, seeds, and other food 

 of a vegetable nature, and also insects, their larvas, and fresh water 

 mollusca. 



Red-knobbed Coot. 



(^Fulica cristata.) 



Diet. — Seeds of shoots and leaves of water plants, also aquatic 

 insects and fresh water mollusca. 



Peter's Fin-Foot. 



[Podica pet erst.) 



Diet. — Various aquatic creatures, including fish and fresh 

 water mollusca. 



ORDER XV.— ALECTORIDES. 



Wattled Crane. 



(Burger anus carunculatus.) 



Diet, — Reptiles, fishes, frogs, Crustacea, mollusca, and 

 grain. 



52 



