OTIS RUFICRISTA. 639 
611. Oris senzcaLEnsis, Vieill. Senegal Bustard. 
Eupodotis senegalensis, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 285. 
Several pairs of this handsome Bustard were procured in the 
Free State by Mr. Arnot, and in Natal Mr. Ayres says that the 
species is found in similar situations to O. afroides and O. ceru- 
lescens. He has found it breeding in the Transvaal, where it lays 
two eggs, which are generally placed in the open country under 
shelter of some high tufts of grass. The eggs of different individuals 
appear to vary much in shading and blotching. Dr. Exton procured 
it at Kanye in the Matabele country. 
General colour above, bright rufous, variegated with black; tail 
barred with four cross bars, that near the point being the broadest ; 
top of head black in the male, rufous in the female, minutely 
mottled, and changing into light ash-colour at the back ; cheeks and 
chin, white; throat, and crescent-shaped mark at back of head, 
jet-black ; lower part of throat and breast rufous, with here and 
there a bluish tinge; large wing-feathers black, the rest bright 
rufous; under parts white. Length, 16” or-17’; wing, 10’; 
tail, 5”. 
On the variation of plumage in this species, see Mr. Gurney’s 
remarks (Ibis, 1880, p. 266). 
The soft parts in the male are given by Mr. Ayres as follows :— 
“Trides pale tawny, gradually passing into dusky amber round the 
pupils ; bill yellowish pale colour, with the ridge dusky ; tarsi and 
feet dingy yellowish white.” 
612. Oris RuFicrista, Smith. Red-crested Bustard. 
Hupodotis ruficrista, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 286. 
Sir Andrew Smith procured this beautiful Bustard between 
Latakoo and the Tropic, but it seldom occurs within the colony; it 
is found beyond the Orange River. Mr. Chapman obtained it as 
far as the Great Lake. Messrs. Arnot and Ortlepp have forwarded 
it from Colesberg. Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye, and writes :— 
““The colour of the crest in the recent specimen is as if stained 
with port wine, which fades after death. The fine down at the base 
of the feathers, as well as the skin itself, have also the dark stained 
appearance.” 
Mr. T. E. Buckley states that he found it common from the north 
