50 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
this species differ in no way from those of the Common Kite of 
India ; indeed, until we shot one, we did not discriminate that any 
difference existed. Eggs procured by Mr. J. Kotze and ourselves at 
the Berg River are dull white, sparsely spotted, blotched and 
streaked generally at the thick end with dry blood-coloured 
markings. Axis, 2” 3”’; Diam. 1” 9’’’. 
The whole of the upper parts tan-brown, each feather with a paler 
edge; breast tan-brown; top of head, neck, cheeks, and throat 
whitish or light brown; the centre of each feather being dark-brown 
inclining to black, gives a striped appearance. Lower part of body, 
thighs, and under part of tail cinnamon-colour. Wings very long 
and pointed, tail deeply forked. Legs and bill straw yellow in the 
adult bird, and dark yellowish-brown in immature specimens ; iris 
brown, cere yellow. Length, 21'’; wing, 17’’; tail, 10’’. 
Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. 1, pl. 22. 
44, Muitvus KorscHun. Black Kite. 
Milvus ater, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 25 (1867). 
Although not migrating as far south as Cape Town itself, this 
Kite is by no means uncommon in Southern Africa. We first received 
it from Mr. Arnot, of Colesberg, who shot it in a street of that 
town. We have since had specimens from the Zambesi, brought down 
by Mr. J. C. Chapman. Mr. Andersson writes :—“‘ It appears in 
Damara and Great Namaqua Land with the first rains, or even 
before.” 
From Mr. Chapman’s descriptions, it appears to resemble in habits 
M. govinda of India and Ceylon, frequenting by preference the 
neighbourhood of native towns, near water, and feeding upon offal, 
particularly that of fish. It wheels round in large and easy circles, 
rising and falling, without flapping its wings, for an immense length 
of time. It catches up its food with its foot, and eats it in the air, 
bending the head down, and bringing up one or both feet to meet 
it. Eggs in our possession are of a dull white, with here and there 
coarse dry blood-coloured dots. Axis, 2’’ 2”; diam. 1” 9’’’. 
Mr. Ortlepp says this species has long been known in Colesberg, 
where it is called “ Kuikenduif” (chicken thief). Mr. H. Bowker 
says “it is probably so called from the fact that it has never been 
seen to touch one unless thrown away dead! While hunting near 
Bloemfontein in the Free State, I have suffered from their stealing 
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