624 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
and concealing itself in, the nearest suitable reedy or marshy 
thicket.” 
Prof. Barboza du Bocage states that it is not rare in Angola, and 
particularly in the maritime region of Benguela as far as the mouth 
of the Cunene River. Anchieta has sent numerous specimens from 
the Coroca River, Mossamedes, and Quillengues in the interior. 
Upper parts, dull greenish brown; under parts, dark slate colour ; 
head and neck darkest ; vent white ; as are also some stray feathers 
on the flanks and in the centre of the belly. In some specimens the 
slate-coloured feathers of the under parts are edged with dirty 
white ; the throat is also spotted with it; tip of bill rich yellow; 
base and frontal shield, bright red ; legs green, with a red and 
yellow garter. Length, 11"; wing, 6” 9” ; tail, 3’. 
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii. pl. 503. 
601. Ga umuta anautata, Sund. South-African Moor-hen. 
We have received one specimen of this elegant little Water-hen 
from Mr. W. Cairncross, of Swellendam, who procured it in that 
neighbourhood. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and records it 
from the Umschali Lakes, not many miles this side of the Zulu 
border, and within three or four miles of the coast. The late Mr. 
Frank Oates procured two specimens during his expedition through 
Matabele Land, one killed at Dry River in February, and another at 
Tibakai’s Vleiin December. Mr. Ayres, who was with Mr. Jameson’s 
expedition to the Mashoona country, met with this Moor-hen at 
Selenia Pan in December, and again at Spalding’s on the Hart 
River, in February. He writes :— This bird is scarce, but widely 
distributed over South Africa. The pans, which are the resort of so 
many Waders during this portion of the year, are entirely dried up 
during the winter rainless months, and the surrounding country so. 
parched that travelling becomes difficult.” 
Mr. Andersson’s work on the Birds of Damara Land contains the 
following note:—‘I find the Lesser Water-hen literally swarming 
in all the vleys of this country, where it breeds most abundantly. 
Its flesh is much esteemed by the natives, who make up great 
hunting parties to chase these birds out of the water on to the dry 
land, where, as they unwillingly take wing and try to conceal 
themselves in the bushes and grass, they are easily secured, being 
sometimes shot with arrows, and sometimes taken alive. The eggs 
