782 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
writes: “I have shot them near Pretoria, and found them to vary 
a great deal in their plumage. They dive with great rapidity, but 
when first rising from the water are rather slow, so are easily 
killed; but if they attain an elevation they fly swiftly and are very 
watchful, twisting their long necks from side to side.” Sir John 
Kirk states that it is “common on all the rivers, lakes and lagoons 
of the Zambesi, breeding on the retired islets among the rapids. 
Native name Chidankwee.” Mr. Andersson gives the following note: 
“This Cormorant occurs on Lake N’gami and its watersheds; but 
I have never met with it, except on inland waters. It feeds on fish, 
and is a most expert diver. Its flight is strong and rapid; and it 
perches on trees both during the day and at night. This species 
feeds chiefly at night; as the sun declines it is seen in flocks flying 
from its roosting-places to its fishing-grounds. During the day it 
remains in great measure stationary, either lazily sunning itself on 
some branch overhanging the water, or on a bunch of reed; or it 
may be seen standing erect on a sandbank, with outstretched wings. 
When in the water, it has the habit of submerging its body to such 
an extent as to leave little more than the neck exposed.” Mr. 
Monteiro found it very common on all the rivers and fresh-waters 
of Angola, and Senor Anchieta has sent it from Benguela (native 
name Kamakundi), the Coroca River, Huilla, Quillengues, and 
Humbe. 
General plumage black; back and wing feathers, light grey, with 
a terminal spot, and sometimes a white tip; above the eyes in some 
specimens a pale brown stripe extending partly round the head; 
bill,and cere round the eye, bright yellow; irides carmine (F. Barber). 
Length, 17’; wing, 84’; tail, 64”. Sexes similar. 
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 386. 
Fam. PLOTIDZA. 
765. PLotrus LEVAILLANTI, Licht. African Darter. 
Plotus congensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 378. 
The “ Anhinga,” “ Snake-bird,” or “ Darter,” is not unfrequeut 
in certain localities, among which may be mentioned chiefly: 
Verloren Vley and the Berg River generally, the River Zonder 
End, and Zoetendals Vley. In this latter place, we saw several 
individuals, evidently building, as they carried long trailing rushes 
