NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



Carmine - throated Bee - Eater {Merops nubicoides). 

 (Vol. II., p. 40.) 



Description. — Crown light green, blending into crimson on 

 the mantle and wing coverts. Rump and upper tail coverts 

 cobalt-blue. Tail crimson, the two centre feathers longer than 

 the others, the narrow part being black. From the base of the 

 bill to the ear black. Under parts bright pink, becoming paler 

 on the lower breast. Feathers under the tail cobalt ; under 

 the wings chestnut. Iris dark hazel. Bill black. Legs dull 

 brown. 



The female is similar to the male. 



Lengthy 10.00; tail, 8.00; wing, 5.80. 



Distrihidion. — Natal, Transvaal, Zambesi, and north to 

 Central Africa. 



Habits. — These handsome birds are usually found along 

 the margins of rivers and reed beds, although I have met with 

 them on rare occasions in Natal in the mimosa bush-veld far 

 from water. They are migratory, and arrive in South Africa 

 in October and November, and depart again in March. They 

 breed during their stay in this country. Their nesting habits 

 are similar to those of the European bee-eater. 



Night-Jar. (Vol. II., p. 44.) 



The night-jar is also known as the night owl and goat 

 sucker, and by the Zulus as the " isavolo." 



There are several species of night-jars in South Africa. 

 Their habits are more or less similar. 



The night-jar is chiefly active at night. It may be seen 

 at dusk hawking for insects, of which its food is entirely com- 

 posed. It takes the insects mainly on the wing, but it may often 

 be observed settling on roads and pathways to pick up beetles 

 and other insects. 



The night-jar should be held sacred, for it is one of man's 

 most useful allies in ridding the air and ground of noxious 

 insects which emerge by night. Of all the feathered friends of 



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