GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



seen a Falcon, the South- African Lanner, stoop at Partridges 

 I have flushed, but without success. They are monogamous, 

 but I have no evidence on the subject as to whether they pair 

 for hfc. The coveys nearly always consist of the two old 

 birds and the season's chickens. The nests are cup-shaped, 

 somewhat deep, carefully lined with grass, placed under the 

 shelter of a bush or tuft of grass, and containing from eight 

 to fifteen eggs. The eggs are slightly larger than those of 

 tame Pigeons and spotted with minute brown spots on a 

 dull-coloured background. The spots vary, and sometimes 

 the eggs are blotched with brown." 



If the covey is broken up and the shooter has good 

 dogs they afl^ord excellent sport, as they will then lie 

 like stones. 



They thrive well and have been known to breed in cap- 

 tivity. I have never found the nest but have seen eggs 

 which are dark brown minutely spotted with brown pin- 

 points. They measure from 1.60 to 1.55 by 1.2 to 1.15 in. 

 according to Mr. Sclater. 



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