258 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



GRALL-2E. 



OTIDID^I. 



299. Eupodotis kori (Burch.). Kori Bustard. 



Otis kori, Burchell's Travels in Southern Afr. vol. i. p. 393 (descr.), 

 p. 402 (head). 



Riippell's Mon. der Gatt. Otis, Mus. Senck. vol. ii. pi. 13. 

 Eupodotis cristata, Layard's Oat. No. 540. 

 Otis kori, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 413. 



Finsch & Hartlaub's Vogel Ost-Afrika's, p. 611. 



This splendid bird is found throughout the year in 

 Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and is common as 

 far as Ondonga, but is partially migratory. 



Personally I have never seen one beyond thirty 

 pounds weight ; but I have been assured on good 

 authority that in some parts of the Free States and the 

 Trans- Vaal districts individuals are sometimes shot 

 weighing from sixty to seventy pounds. The spread of 

 the wings is eight feet four inches. The flesh is ex- 

 cellent eating. 



This Bustard is usually found in pairs ; but sometimes 

 three or four are to be found together. Its flight is 

 heavy, but is nevertheless very rapid ; and at night, 

 when changing its feeding-ground, it may be seen 

 flying at a very great height. It feeds on insects, 

 berries, &c., and is very partial to the sweet gummy 

 exudations of the low mimosa thorn so abundant in 

 Damara Land. 



