42 Mr. J. G. Brown on the 



20. ^GiALiTis VENUSTA (Fi.sch, & Reichenow). (Fischer's 

 Sand-Plover.) 



{■= Cliaradrius venustus, Fischer & Reichenow.) 

 (Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xxiv. p. 286, 1896.) 



This species has either only recently extended its range to 

 South Africa or has been overlooked by former collectors. 

 It was first recorded from this country by Lieut. C H. T. 

 Whitehead, M.B.O.U. It is now a regular visitor to this 

 locality in winter and is usually found on the salt " pans " ; 

 rarely on the river. 



[This rare species has only l^een, as yet, recorded once 

 from South Africa (Annals S. African Mus. vol. iii. part viii., 

 paper ix. p. 359, 1905), and the type specimens were 

 described from skins obtained in Masailand, where it inhabits 

 the salt lakes. As the S. African locality in which it has 

 already been recorded is at Port Elizabeth, there is no reason 

 to doubt the accuracy of Mr. Brown^s remarks, which will, it 

 is hoped, shortly be established by the production of specimens. 

 The species was first described by Fischer and Reichenow, in 

 the Journ. fiir Ornithologie, 1884, p. 178, as Cliaradrius 

 venustus {tide also Reichenow, Vog. Afr. i. p. 173, 1900). — 

 Editorial Note.] 



21. Recurvirostra avocetta. (Avocet.) 

 (Layard, p. 673.) 



An occasional visitor in summer. When wading in very 

 shallow water they draw the bill from side to side along the 

 bottom, but in deeper water dive their heads under water like 

 Ducks. When at rest the neck is drawn in Plover-like and 

 often one leg is slightly drawn up. I found them very 

 tame. 



22. NuMENius arcuatus. (Common Curlew.) 

 (Layard, p. 692.) 



Common on the river and surrounding country. 



23. NuMENius PH^oPus. (Whimbrel.) 

 (Layard, p. 693.) 



This species is not nearly so common as the Curlew. It is 



