750 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
722. Nerrapus auritus (Bodd.). African Dwarf Goose. 
Nettapus madagascariensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 348. 
This lovely little Goose may at once be known by its brilliant 
colouring, particularly by the green patch on each side of the neck 
of the male. It is abundant at Natal, where a friend informs us it 
swims in such large flocks, that he has killed from ten to fourteen in 
in a single discharge of a common fowling-piece. Mr. Chapman 
found it equally abundant in his travels to the northward. A fine 
pair were killed by Mr. J. Nightingale on a small vley near 
Alexandria in 1868, and presented to the South African Museum ; 
it has also been obtained at Grahamstown and beyond the Kei by 
Mr. W. Bowker. Captain Trevelyan informs us that he saw the 
skin of one of these birds which had been shot in British Caffraria 
about seventeen miles from Kingwilliamstown. 
In Natal Mr. Ayres says they are gregarious, frequenting the lakes 
and rivers near the coast, but Majors Butler and Fielden and Capt. 
Reid state that they were disappointed in not meeting with the 
species, and it appears to be irregular in its visits to Natal. Mr. 
Ayres states that a pair were shot on the Vaal River in April, about 
fourteen miles from Potchefstroom. Sir John Kirk writes concern- 
ing its occurrence in the Zambesi district: “ Native name ‘ Sequiri.’ 
This beautiful bird is confined to lagoons near the rivers and lakes, 
being very seldom to be seen on the main waters. It occurs in pairs, 
and in flocks of from eight to ten. When disturbed, it flies along 
the water, following all its windings, never crossing the country. Its 
habits are entirely aquatic. It dives, and remains long under the 
surface, and is very difficult to obtain when wounded, getting 
entangled in the weeds at the bottom.” 
Mr. Andersson says: “I have only observed this handsome little 
Goose on Lake N’gami and its watersheds, where if is not uncom- 
mon. It is met with in small flocks and is not very shy. It is 
exceedingly fat at certain seasons, and is pretty good eating.” 
Senor Anchieta has met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River and 
at Huilla in Benguela. 
Adult male.—Upper parts, shining black green, with a longitudinal 
white stripe along the wing; under parts white ; chest, flanks, and 
sides rufous, the first transversely marked with narrow black bars; 
front of head, cheeks, and throat, white; top of head shining black 
