DESCRIPTION, DISIRIHUTION, HABITS 



The female resembles the mule both in size and plumage, 

 but is usually without spurs. 



Distribution. — This partridge does not live north of the 

 Limpopo. In the Cape it occurs chiefly in the southern districts, 

 and is seldom found in the western and north-western parts of 

 the colony. 



Habits. — The redwing is generally found in small coveys 

 of from 6 to 10 individuals, feeding among the long grass in 

 secluded valleys. It is a somewhat locally distributed bird, 

 being extremely plentiful in some districts, while entirely absent 

 from others. It lies very close when danger threatens, and is 

 very hard to flush. Its flight is swift and strong. Its 

 call note is rather loud and harsh, and is heard chiefly in the 

 early morning and in the evening. The nest is built in a 

 depression among the long grass, usually near water. It is 

 very well hidden and difficult to find, as the bird sits 

 tight and does not disclose its position. The eggs vary from 

 6 to 8 in number, and are a dark tawny ground colour, finely 

 spotted with dark brown. The breeding season extends over 

 a considerable period, namely from July to December. 



Black Crake {Limnocorax niger). (Vol. II., p. 258.) 



Description. — General colour above and below black, with 

 slight slaty tinge on the scapulars, wings, and lower surface- 

 Iris and naked skin round eye red. Bill varies from yellowish- 

 green to dark green. Legs bright red. 



Lengthy 7.75 ; wing, 3.8 ; tail, 1.5. ^ 

 The female resembles the male both in size and plumage. 

 The young bird is chocolate in colour. The nestling is 

 covered with black down. 



Distribution. — The black crake is found throughout Africa, 

 south of the Gambia and the White Nile. In South Africa it 

 is fairly evenly distributed. 



Habits. — This crake is a very shy, skulking bird, and is thus 

 VOL. II. 177 12 



