148 THE BIRDS OF EIVER AND VLEI 



and tail dark purplish-blue ; head, neck, and under-surface 

 ash-grey. 



This bird is not uncommon in certain localities. We 

 found it breeding near Grahamstown ; the nest a 

 saucer-shaped structure of stout sticks lined with moss 

 and grass is built on the lower branches of a tree, 

 generally overhanging water ; the eggs number three 

 and vary from a creamy tint to greenish-buff and creamy- 

 brown, marked with liver-brown blotches and streaks. 

 One nest discovered in the Albany Division was situated 

 in a tree quite 40 feet from the bottom of the kloof. 

 During the winter the Hadadah Ibis congregates into 

 flocks. F. Thomsen, of the Transvaal Agriculture Depart- 

 ment, reports having seen them in large flocks as many 

 as several hundreds together devouring voetgangers (im- 

 mature locusts). They feed on other insects as well, and 

 are thus of considerable economic value to the agricul- 

 turist and should certainly be protected, although con- 

 sidered excellent eating by many people. 



FLAMINGOES. 



There are two species of this specialised type of Bird 

 in South Africa, recognised by their long legs and necks 

 and the remarkably shaped bill, which is abruptly bent 

 downwards about the middle of its length ; plumage 

 white washed with roseate-pink, the wings being black 

 and crimson. 



The Greater Flamingo (Plmnicopterus roseus) is easily 

 distinguishable from the Lesser Bird (P. minor) by the 

 difference in size, the former having a length of 55 inches, 

 against one of 39 inches in the case of the latter species. 



They are fairly common along the coasts and on many 

 of the inland waters. Dr. Symonds records the greater 



