GEESE AND DUCKS 



245 



in flocks on some of the vleis between Brandfort and Bult- 

 fontein, Orange Free State. It is reported by several 

 observers as breeding in South Africa. 



Fig. 135. — Greater Flamingoes. 



It breeds regularly in the South of Spain. Little is known 

 in South Africa of the smaller species. 



The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is white, with a red 

 crown. Length, 35 inches. Bill long, flattened, and spoon- 

 shaped. It is not common. 



GEESE AND DUCKS 



The Ducks, Geese and Swans form the order Anseres, 

 whereof South Africa possesses but a single sub-family 

 (Anatince) containing eleven genera with eighteen species. 



The Spur- winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis), known 

 to the Boers as the Wilde Makaauw (wild Muscovy), is 

 glossy black with metallic reflections, the sides of the head, 

 throat, and lower neck, breast, belly, and edge of wing 



