730 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
his greater chance, took to the water, and would not be driven from 
it. Mr. Rickard tells us that he once saw it on the sandy beach not 
far from Port Elizabeth, in considerable numbers, there being some 
twelve or fifteen. 
General colour, very dark brownish-green, shot with green and 
coppery reflections ; belly, thighs, and vent-feathers, pure white ; 
bill, space round the eyes, chin, and legs, red. Length, 3’ 8”; wing, 
DVO Seetanly is 
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 403. 
707. Crconta appar, Licht. White-bellied Stork. 
We have not seen this bird from any locality, save the Zambesi, 
whence it was brought by Mr. Chapman, who informs us it is excel- 
lent eating, and is found in vast numbers about the borders of Lake 
N’gami. Mr. Jameson’s expedition met with it on the Makara River 
in January, and Mr. Ayres writes: “ From here all the way down 
the Hart River to Spalding’s we found these birds by myriads 
in large flocks feeding on beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. 
Although they were excessively fat, their flesh was not good eating. 
We saw this Stork also in some numbers in Matabele Land in 
December. They frequent open grassy conntry in the neighbour- 
hood of rivers and swamps. On hot days they often soar to an 
immense height, appearing as mere specks in the clear blue sky as 
they wheel slowly round and round.” Mr. Frauk Oates procured a 
specimen at Sibanani. The following note is given by Mr. Anders- 
son:—* This somewhat coarse but handsome Stork arrives in 
Damara Land during the rainy season, leaving it again on the 
approach of thedry. The more plentiful the rain the more abundant 
the birds, the cause being simply the greater abundance of food. 
This species feeds largely on locusts, but devours with equal gusto 
beetles of all kinds, many hundreds of which I have taken from the 
stomach of a single bird ; it also devours small reptiles, water-rats, 
fish, and frogs, but appears to prefer locusts when these are to be 
had, chasing them on the ground as well as in the air. On such 
occasions these Storks may be seen in thousands gyrating in immense 
circles, and, as it were, in different strata, the lower frequently flying 
within range of the fowling-piece whilst the eye rests painfully on the 
higher as mere specks in the air.” 
