MILVUS XGYPTIUS. 49 
plains. Several pairs bred in the neighbourhood of my place at 
Objimbinque.” Senor Anchieta has obtained it at Gambos in 
Mossamedes and at Humbe on the river Cunénée. 
Adult.—Head, neck, and nearly the whole of the upper and under 
parts of the body black; back and tail deep-red; lesser wing- 
coverts rufous; head crested and frilled; cere deep-orange ; fect 
crimson. Length, 2’; wing, 164”; tail, 53”. 
Some specimens are found with a cream-coloured back (H. 
lewconotus), but whether this plumage indicates an adult H. ecav- 
datus, or a distinct species, it is difficult to say. A specimen of 
this light-backed race is in the British Museum from South Africa, 
so that it occurs along with the ordinary Bateleur in the southern 
part of the continent. 
Fig. Heuglin, Orn. N. O. Afr. pl. ii. 
43. Muinvus meyprius. Yellow-Billed Kite. 
Although a rare bird within the colony, so much so that it does 
not occur in Victorin’s list, nor in the collections of our excellent 
correspondent, Mr. Rickard, this species is more plentiful in 
South Africa than the Black Kite. Mr. Ayres records it as common 
in Natal and Transvaal, and Dr. Kirk says that it “‘ arrives in the Zam- 
besi Valley from the north in August, and is very abundant along 
the river.” Mr. Andersson shot it at Ondonga, and notes that it is 
_ more common than the Black Kite in Damara and Great Namaqua 
Land, whence it migrates from the neighbourhood of the Equator.” 
(Cf. Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p. 23.) Senor Anchieta has 
procured it in many localities during his travels in Mossamedes, 
viz., at Biballa, Quillengues, Caconda, and Ambaca, and more 
recently at Humbe, on the Cunéné River. 
Le Vaillant states that it inhabits Great Namaqua Land, builds 
amongst trees or rocks, but prefers marshy ground, where it makes 
its nest on some raised spot amongst the reeds. Hges four, white 
speckled with red. Itis a bold and hardy bird, pursuing its prey 
even in inhabited places. 
In November, 1863, we observed a single specimen flying over the 
village of Ceres, in the Cold Bokkeveld. We have also received it 
from Kuruman, and observed it along the Hast Coast as far as Fazy. 
A pair frequent the homestead of the Honourable T. H. Vigne, at 
Tyger Hoek, River “ Zonder End” (1865). The flight and habits of 
E 
