216 ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD 



This bird derived its Boer name from its supposed fondness 

 for the gum which exudes from the bark of the Mimosa tree. 



It is fairly evenly distributed over South Africa, but it is 

 nowhere common. 



All the bustards lay two eggs, of some shade of pale brown 

 blotched with darker, on the bare veld in a mere depression 

 in the ground. 



They are for the most part insect feeders, varying this by 

 a few berries, a little grain, and weed seeds. 



Apart from their economic value as food, they do an 

 immense amount of good by devouring termites and locusts, 

 caterpillars, and other insect pests. They are now strictly 

 protected by law. 



DIKKOPS 



The Family (Edicnemidse is represented in South Africa 

 by two somewhat similar species. The largest of the two, 

 the Bush Dikkop (CEdicnemus ccvpensis) is pale brownish 

 above mottled with black ; breast sandy coloured fading 

 into white on the belly. Legs and feet yellow. Length, 

 I8f inches ; wing, 9 inches. 



It inhabits the open thorn scrub, finding its way occa- 

 sionally on to the flats, but seldom wandering far from the 

 " bush '" localities. It may be found in small parties during 

 the winter months, but pairs off in the breeding season. 



It feeds chiefly on various insects and seeds. It has 

 a loud plaintive call which may often be heard on bright 

 moonlight nights, a fact which has earned for them the 

 name of Moonbirds in some districts. 



Its flesh is excellent eating, and the bird formed at one 

 time no mean item in the sportsman's bag, both in the scrub 

 of the Orange Free State veld and in the plantations along 

 the Band. It has now been added to the list of utility 

 birds, and is protected by law. 



It lays two eggs of a greyish colour spotted and blotched 



