162 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
oily green, the two middle feathers having a slight shade of bronze; _ 
sides of face, throat, and fore part of chest whitish, with a yellowish 
shade ; lower part of belly greyish, the under tail-coverts metallic 
green ; bill yellow, with brown mark at base of culmen ; iris beau- 
tiful dark red. Total length, 13-5 inches; culmen, 1:2; wing, 49; 
tail, 8; tarsus, 1°15. 
145. CrnTROPUS SENEGALENSIS.  Lark-heeled Cuckoo. 
Centropus burchelli, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 146. 
This Cuckoo is found all over Africa, and although specimens from 
the southern part of the Continent are brighter in colour than those 
from West Africa, we cannot see any real grounds for their separation. 
We have received several specimens of this lark-heeled 
Cuckoo. One was shot in “ Grootevadersbosch,” near Caledon, by _ 
the Hon. T. H. Vigne; another near Swellendam, by Mr. Cairn- 
cross. Specimens have also been shot near Graham’s Town and ~ 
other places. 
Mr. T. E. Buckley informs us: “It was first observed on the 
Crocodile River, but was also found in all suitable places as far into 
the Matabili as I went. Being fond of hiding itself, it is not often 
seen unless accidentally flushed, but its loud note betrays its presence. 
It inhabits the thick reeds and bushes wherever there is water, far 
from which it is never found.” 
Dr. Kirk says that it was very common in all the grassy borders ~ 
of rivers, but is looked upon by the natives with disgust, and never . 
eaten. 
The following note is given by Mr. Andersson: “This species is 
found abundantly at Lake N’gami, but I have observed it nowhere 
else. It occurs singly or in pairs, and perches on lofty trees—but 
also frequents reedy thickets, to the interior of which it usually 
retreats when alarmed or pursued. Its flight is heavy and clumsy. 
Its food consists of insects, and it is partial to locusts and grass- 
hoppers.” 
Le Vaillant states that he first met with this species near the 
Gamtoos River, and that it makes its nest in holes of trees, laying 
four eggs, of a reddish-white colour. Mr. Atmore says, “it inhabits + 
palmiet vleys and feeds on locusts and large insects of all kinds.” 
Mr. H. Bowker writes, “ The Vley Lourie builds its nest in the centre 
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