The Rufous-necked Wood-Dove (. Hapiopclia larvala) is

occasionally imported ; it is the “ Lamoen Duif ” of the colonists

and is common near Cape Town, at the Knysna, in Natal, and in

the Ly den burg district of the Transvaal. The well-known

Half-collared Turtle (Turin? semitorquatus ) is common at East

London and has been met with in other parts of S. Africa ; the

Cape Turtle-dove (T. capicola ) is plentiful near Port Elizabeth,

throughout Natal, the Transvaal, and elsewhere.


The widely distributed Cambayan or Senegal Turtle (Tui ha

sencgalcnsis ) is reported as common on the Fish River, in the

mimosa bush along the Tugela, and in the Mariqua district of the

Transvaal.


The beautiful Emerald T)oxe(Chalcopelia afro) is abundant

throughout Kaffirland, is common about Durban and Pinetown,

and has been recorded from other parts of S. Africa; and the

charming Tambourine Pigeon (Tyvipanistria tympanistria ) is

very plentiful in bushy country on the coast line about Durban in

Natal.


The familiar Cape-Dove is to be met with all over the

colony ; but it is to be regretted that hen birds are so much more

rarely imported than cocks.


Among the Game birds there are various Guinea-fowls

which might be interesting for large aviaries or poultry-runs, but

which one can hardly reckon among cage-birds. The same may

perhaps be said of the Francolins, some of which are easily

captured, become quickly tame and are said to make excellent

pets. The Harlequin Quail (Cotumix delegorguei ) occurs near

Grahamstown and in Natal, and a few have been shot at various

times at King William’s Town, but it does not seem to be very

common.


The Hemipodes, which make most interesting cage and

aviary pets, are represented in S. Africa by two species,—the

South African Hemipode (Turnix hottentotta) found sparingly

throughout the colony, and the Kurrichane Hemipode (T.

lepurana) which is far more local, but is said to be not uncommon

in Great Namaqualand during the rainy-season.


Doubtless there are many other S. African birds suitable

for Zoological Gardens or for extensive private aviaries ; but, in

the present account, I have thought it better to limit myself to

those which may fairly be regarded as cage-birds.



