622 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
generally in companies. When disturbed, instead of attempting to 
hide, they immediately take wing and fly a considerable distance 
round and round, when, from their appearance and strong flight, 
they may easily be mistaken for a flock of black Ducks. The 
stomach contained weeds, seeds of water-plants, and insects.” 
Mr. F. A. Barratt writes:—‘‘The Crested Coot is by no means 
rare, frequenting the same places as G. chloropus. It is very quick 
in its movements, and can run very rapidly on its feet as well as 
being a swiftswimmer. Ihave seen the young ones swimming with 
the egg-shell still attached to them; and it is curious to see the 
manner in which they disappear when alarmed. Towards the mouth 
of the Mooi River, near the Vaal, I found them in great abundance. 
Ihave shot them a few hours north of Pretoria;” and Mr. Ayres 
gives the following note:—“ These birds are much more abundant 
in the Transvaal than in Natal, and also not nearly so shy. In 
Natal they are very shy, and maintain a flight for a length of 
time, examining their ground well before re-alighting; but in the 
Transvaal they seem to trust more to hiding and diving for safety, 
and, when flushed, fly but a short distance. Frequently have I 
stood up to my middle in water listening to some cunning old bird 
within a few yards of me, and vainly trying to catch a glimpse 
of him, where there was not enough cover, apparently, to hide a rat. 
Hither these birds must possess the power of ventriloquism, or they 
must remain under water with perhaps just their bills out; one 
thing is certain, that they are expert divers.” 
Mr. Andersson’s notes on the species are the following :—“‘ This 
species is common in suitable localities in Damara and Great 
Namaqua Land, but is more abundant in the Lake regions. These 
Coots may often be observed congregated in large numbers on open 
sheets of water, where they might easily be mistaken for a flock of 
Ducks, except that they do not ‘ pack’ like wild fowl. If disturbed 
they will sometimes, if near a reedy brake, seek safety by hiding 
there; but more frequently they have recourse to their wings, when 
they exhibit great powers of flight. They build their nests of, 
and amongst, reeds, rushes, and grasses, usually selecting the most 
retired spots, though I have also found their nests in most exposed 
situations. A few old reed-stalks serve as a footing for the nest, 
which is roughly but firmly constructed, and is raised, though 
sometimes only a few inches, above the surface of the water.” 
Sl scence 
os et 
oe 
ee 
ee ee ee eee eae 
