SOUTH AFRICAN BIRDS AND THEIR DIET 



ORDER XVI.— LIMICOLiE. 



The Dikkop. 



(Genus — Gldicnemus.) 



Diet. — The dikkop {^CEdicnemus capensts) frequents the veld, 

 stony flats, and slopes of low hills, and feeds on the insects which 

 frequent these localities. It also feeds sparingly on the seeds 

 of grasses and wild shrubs. 



The dikkop, although often seen abroad during the daylight 

 hours, is most active at dusk and after in its quest for the insects 

 which issue forth after sundown and at night. This bird 

 therefore renders specially good service in destroying insects 

 which, by reason of their nocturnal habits, escape the other 

 insect-eating birds. 



The water dikkop (CEdicnemns vermiculatus) frequents the 

 margins of rivers and ponds, and its diet consists of insects, worms, 

 and Crustacea. 



Crab Plover. 



{Dromas ardeola.) 



Diet. — Chiefly crabs which it finds along the seacoast and 

 margins of salt water lakes. 



The Courser. 



(Genera — Cursorius and Rhinoptilus.) 



Diet. — The coursers frequent the treeless veld and feed on 

 insects supplemented by seeds of grasses, etc. 



The Pratincole. 



(Genus — Glare ola.) 



Diet. — The pratincoles feed upon insect life on the veld. 

 The best known is Nordmann's pratincole (Glareola melanoptera). 

 It is better known as the little locust bird or klein springhaan 



