58 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
The description given of I’. communis will suffice equally well 
for this species, with the exception that all the specimens that have 
fallen under our observation seem to be duller-coloured, and the 
transverse dark bars on the abdomen of the adult bird are also closer 
together than in F. communis, in which respect I’, minor resembles 
I’, melanogenys of Australia. 
Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. i, pl. xii. 
51. Fatco BIARMICcUS. South African Lanner. 
(Prats II.) 
The present species, though closely allied to F. tanypterus, which 
it represents in South Africa, differs from that species and from the 
true Lanner of Europe in being perfectly uniform and unspotted on 
the under surface when adult. It is scattered throughout the colony, 
but is not common anywhere. Mr. T. Atmore procured old and 
young birds near Hland’s Post. Both Mr. Ayres and Mr. T. E. 
Buckley have found this Falcon in Natal and the Transvaal, in both 
of which countries it is rare. Dr. Kirk did not meet with it in the 
Zambesi regions. Numerous specimens were contained in Mr, 
Andersson’s collections, and he says that it “is to be met with from 
the Cape Colony in the South, to the Okavango River in the north, 
and as far eastward as Lake N’gami; it is particularly numerous in 
Little Namaqua Land, and also in the neighbourhood of the Okavango, 
and is occasionally seen along the sea coast.” Senor Anchicta has 
met with it at Huilla in Mossamedes. 
It is very rapid on the wing, and a great scourge to poultry and 
game of all kinds. It will not hesitate to dash at a flock feeding 
close to the door of a dwelling and in the midst of people working on 
the werf. Mr. Ortlepp writes, ‘‘I procured two parent birds and 
five nestlings ready to fly. The female resembles the male+but she 
is larger (Length, 18’’; wing, 14’’; tail, 74’".) The nestlings were 
all mottled on the breast and belly. Found near Colesberg, feeding 
on small birds, reptiles and insects.” 
Adult male.—General colour above blueish ash; transversely barred 
with dark-grey ; head clear rufous, marked on the forehead, side and 
nape with black ; under parts clear vinaceous, marked on the thighs 
with a few black spots. Tail underneath grey and ash. Cere and 
legs yellow ; eye light brown. Length, 17” ; wing, 12}’’; tail, 7’’. 
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