260 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI 



brown, chin and centre of abdomen white. Length, 1 1 inches. 

 Bill straight. 



Its congener, the Ethiopian Snipe (G. nigripennis), differs 

 in being darker, and the three outer tail-feathers are white 

 barred with dusky on the outer web. 



Neither of these birds are exactly common except in 

 certain few localities, and only the latter breeds within our 

 limits. 



The Painted Snipe (Rostratula bengalensis) is the most 

 richly-coloured species of all, and in this case — contrary to 

 the usual course — the female is more brightly tinted than 

 the male, having the back and shoulders of a bronzy- brown 

 glossed with metallic-green, and the neck chestnut. Length, 

 9f to 10 inches. 



This bird is widely distributed, ranging from India, China 

 and Japan, through Egypt to South Africa. It was found 

 breeding by Andersson in Damaraland, and by Lawrence at 

 Lady Grey, Cape Province. 



GREBE 



There are three species of Grebe (Family Podicipedidce) 

 in South Africa, differing from one another considerably 

 in size. They are usually known as " Divers." 



The Great- Crested Grebe (Colymbus cristatus) is easily 

 recognisable by its large size (length, 20 inches), a double 

 crest resembling the " ears " of an owl, and a thick ruff of 

 chestnut and black feathers on the upper neck. 



It is fairly abundant and generally distributed in the 

 sub-continent, inhabiting vleis, dams and similar localities. 

 Like the other members of the family, it is an expert 

 diver, often travelling a hundred yards or so under water. 

 11 also has the habit of often swimming deep in the water, 

 only the centre of the back, head and neck being visible. 



