of Birds from the Colony of Natal. 467 



Chrysococcyx auratus (Gmel.) . Didric Cuckoo. (No. 41, 

 Ibis, 1859, p. 247; 1868, p. 163.) 



1 found these Cuckoos plentiful in December among the low 

 mimosa thorns and wood bordering the rivers and streams iu 

 the upper districts of the colony of Natal, and also among the 

 fruit-trees in the scattered town of Potchefstroom. They are 

 most fond of apple-trees, where, I think, they find the caterpillars 

 suited to their taste and upon which they appear entirely to 

 feed. Their note, which is loud and monotonous, is frequently 

 uttered whilst they are flying high over head. Early in the 

 morning they are particularly fond of chasing each other, fre- 

 quently so high as to be almost out of sight. They are often 

 chased by the Sparrow * and other birds, which appear at once 

 to know a stranger. Like most of our Cuckoos, they appear in 

 summer and are away during the winter months. 



Francolinus natalensis, a.. Smith. Natal Francolin. (No. 

 104, Ibis, 1860, p. 214.) 



[Mr. Ayres has sent me this species from the Trausvaal, but 

 without any accompanying remarks. — J. H. G.] 



Francolinus subtorquatus, A. Smith. Coqui Francolin. 

 (No. 105, Ibis, 1860, p. 215.) 

 The pair sent were obtained near the river Limpopo. 



CoTURNix COMMUNIS, Bonu. Europcau Quail. (No. 106, 

 Ibis, 1860, p. 216.) 



Found, but not plentifully, in the vicinity of Potchefstroom. 



EupoDOTis CAFFRA (Licht.). Stanley Bustard. (No. 108, 

 Ibis, 1860, p. 216 ; 1864, p. 360.) 



These birds frequently breed amongst the rocks and stones 

 on the top of some hill ; the nest is merely a slight excavation 

 scratched in the ground, with perhaps a handful of grass. The 

 eggs are two in number; and the old bird sits so close that she 

 will almost let one tread on her before she rises. 



Grus carunculata (Gmel.) . CaflFre Crane. (No. 244, Ibis, 

 1864, p. 355.) 



My friend Mr. G. A. Phillips found a nest of this Crane 

 * [Perhaps Passer arcuaius (Gmel.). — .1. II. G.] 



