BUSTARDS 213 



BUSTARDS 



The Korhaans (Family Otididce^are fairly numerous in 

 South Africa, twelve species being found within our limits . 



The male of the Black Korhaan (Otis afra) has the crown 

 ashy and ear coverts white ; rest of head, neck and under- 

 pays black ; wing black with a white band. 



This bird is confined to the Cape Province, being replaced 

 north of the Orange Eiver by the White-quilled Korhaan 

 (0. afroides), which closely resembles it, but has the primary 

 wing feathers wliite on the inner web, only the tips being 

 black ; quills white below, whereas they are black in 0. afra. 

 The females of both species are without the black and white 

 variegations. The White-quilled species ranges from the 

 north of the Cape Province to the Transvaal. Length of 

 both species about 21 inches. 



Both birds are usually found in pairs on the flats, where 

 their harsh croaking call may be heard at almost any time 

 of the day. They are not easily located except when the 

 male protrudes his black head above the level of the 

 grass ; when flushed he flies up with a loud cackle ; they 

 afford good sport and are good eating. 



They have now been removed from the list of gamebirds 

 and added to that of the utility birds on account of their 

 insect-eating habits. 



The Vaal Korhaan (0. vigorsi) is ashy-grey above, shaded 

 with pink and speckled with dark brown ; below paler with 

 a beautiful pink sheen, which is seldom seen in the prepared 

 skin, as it fades after death. Length, 24 inches. 



The White-necked Paauw (Otis ludwigii) is larger than 

 any of the Korhaans, and is distinguished from the Stanley 

 Paauw (0. caffra) by the arrow-shaped markings of yellowish 

 on the back, and by the mottled buff cross bands on the 



