734 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
711. Lepropritus cRuMENIFER (Cwv.). African Marabon. 
The only specimen of this bird that has fallen under our notice as 
occurring in the colony was killed by one of the Messrs. Bowker on 
the Swart Kei River about twenty miles from Cradock. The head 
of this bird is still in the possession of Mrs. Barber at Highlands 
where we saw it. ‘This lady was present when it was shot, and tells 
us it was feeding on locusts. 
We saw it abundantly on the east coast; and a specimen in the 
S. A. Museum was brought from the mouth of the Zambesi. 
Mr. Ayres believes that he has seen it in the Transvaal, but no 
specimen has yet been procured. During Mr. Jameson’s expedition 
it was met with on the Umvuli River in October, and Mr. Ayres 
writes: “Shot by Mr. Jameson while feeding on a dead rhinoceros 
in company with a flock of vultures. I am told that this bird is able 
to cut a hole in a dead Rhinoceros when the vultures cannot do so. 
The Boers call it the King of the Vultures, and say that when it 
chooses it will keep the latter from carrion until it has satisfied itself ; 
but this does not agree with the experience of Mr. Selous and other 
hunters. Although I have always met with it singly, Mr. Selous 
informs me that along the Chobé River and the Zambesi he has seen 
great numbers together; and my brother Walter, when living in 
Pretoria, saw a large flock of them one day assemble just outside the 
town to feed upon some mules that had died of horse-sickness.” 
In his paper on the birds of the Zambesi region Sir John Kirk 
writes: “ The feathers under the tail are much valued, but are never 
collected in Hastern Africa. The bird feeds on fish, reptiles and 
carrion. It is readily tamed, and is then of use near a house.” 
Mr. Andersson observes: “ This species is met with in Damara Land 
during the rainy months, at which season it is also frequent in 
Ondonga ; and it is abundant at Lake N’gami throughout the year. 
It is usually seen in flocks, sometimes upon the ground, and at others 
perched on trees. It will remain for hours in the same position, 
with one foot drawn up under its body ; and a number of individuals 
seen in this attitude through the fantastic medium of a mirage present 
a singular and ludicrous appearance. It is a true scavenger bird, 
feeding on carrion, as well as on the most offensive offal ; but it also 
captures living prey, such as fish, tortoises, and snakes.” 
Above, dark greenish-black, slightly glistening; below, dirty 
