b SCAVENG-EES OF THE VELD 



LAMMERGEYER. 



The peculiar Lammergeyer (Gypaetus ossifragus) is 

 called by the Boers the Lammervanger (Lamb-catcher), 

 but the stories told of its attacking sheep, and even 

 human beings, are exaggerated ! They subsist chiefly on 

 bones and carrion and reside in mountain-fastnesses, the 

 Drakensberg Kange between Natal and the Orange River 

 Colony being a favourite haunt. 



The bird has a bunch of black bristles under the chin, 

 and the general colour is ashy-black above, and bright 

 rusty chestnut mottled with white below. 



Some of the old Boers looked upon this species as a 

 bird of ill omen. It derived its specific name of ossifragus 

 from a popular belief amongst the Ancients to the effect 

 that the bird carried into the air bones too large to 

 swallow, and let them fall on a rock for the purpose of 

 breaking them. 



THE MARABOU STORK. 



One other bird remains to be mentioned, the solemn 

 and grotesque-looking Marabou (Leptoptilus crumeniferus) 

 which, although belonging to the Stork family (Ciconiidce) , 

 is nevertheless a true carrion feeder, its strong sharp beak 

 enabling it to compete successfully against the Vultures 

 and Eavens. 



Although feeding largely on carrion it also eats crabs, 

 fish, and various insects. Andersson mentions it as a 

 true scavenger. It does not breed in South Africa, and 

 is a scarce bird throughout the sub-continent except in 

 Upper Rhodesia and the northern territories of Bechu- 

 analand and German South-west Africa. 



The head, neck and centre of breast are devoid of 

 feathers, the colour of the back is black, and the under- 

 parts are white. The bird will, however, be easily recog- 

 nised from the excellent portrait, taken by Dr. L. Gough, 

 of the Transvaal Museum, reproduced herein. 



