FRANCOLINUS AFER. 595 
which is further distinguished by the absence of a spur on the 
leg. 
This species is an inhabitant of Eastern Africa, and it was 
procured by the late Professor Peters, at Tete on the Zambesi. 
Fig. Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1865, pl. xxxix, fig. 1. 
573. Francouinus arer, Mill. Grey-winged Francolin. 
While agreeing with the two preceding species in general charac- 
ters, the present bird is recognized by the absence of the triangular 
chestnut spots on the lower neck and chest. It has a large portion 
of the feathers of the crop and the flanks chestnut, and the breast is 
less evenly barred ; the chin and upper part of the throat are white 
speckled with black. 
Inhabits the maritime districts in considerable number, feeding on 
bulbs and insects, which it digs up from the ground with its powerful 
hooked bill. About Beaufort, it is only found on the mountain tops. 
It nests among bushes, forming a loose structure of grass and roots, 
in a depression in the soil. Its eggs, six to eight in number, vary 
in colour from a greenish-brown to a dark-brown, or a light-greenish, 
almost white. All are, however, minutely spotted with brown 
pin-points: axis, 1” 6’”; diam., 1” 2”. It feeds during the early 
morning and evening during hot weather, sheltering itself from the 
rays of the sun during the hotter portions of the day under thick 
bushes, from which it rises readily on being pursued. It can, how- 
ever, run with great swiftness, and « winged bird, unless followed 
by a good dog, is sure to escape. Captain Shelley states that he 
met with one fine covey between Stellenbosch and the Paarl in 
Cape Colony, and found it fairly plentiful between Wellington and 
Ceres. He says that when disturbed, their flight, though strong, is 
slow and rarely sustained for any great distance. Mr. Rickard 
records it from Port Elizabeth, but says it is not known at Hast 
London. Captain Trevelyan states that he has shot this Francolin 
near Grahamstown, also on the Winterberg, Bontebok Flats, and 
near Dordrecht ; he found them to rise more readily and fly quicker 
than Francolinus levaillantii. He states that it does not occur in 
the vicinity of Kingwilliamstown. In the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres 
says that it appears to be generally distributed all over the country, 
where it is suited to its habits. Mr. Barratt writes:—“I have 
shot this species in the district of Potchefstroom. I obtained all 
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