GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



common in the marshy parts of Portuguese East Africa, and 

 was usually found there in coveys of five or six. He says 

 tliat in its habits it resembles the Lemon-Dove (Haplojjelia 

 larvata) in its manner of running for a short distance when 

 alarmed, and then rising witli a startling " whirr " ; it is remark- 

 ably quick in dodging through the trees when in flight and is 

 then almost impossible to hit. 



Small coveys were observed on several occasions running 

 along the horizontal branches of tall trees at dusk, and no 

 doubt they always roost in trees to be safe from their numerous 

 enemies. Two nests found by Mr. Vaughan Kirby in June 

 and July while collecting with Mr. Roberts in Portuguese 

 East Africa, were placed in patches of grass at the foot of 

 small bushes. The eggs varied in colour from cream to 

 salmon pink, and measured 40.4 to 43.8 by 31.9 to 32.3 mm. 



44 



