BIRDS OF PREY 41 



or in pairs. North of the Zambezi it is very much more 

 often seen. It is easily to be distinguished from the 

 surrounding vultures of other species by its slender head 

 and beak and the lanceolate * feathers on the back of 

 the head and neck. 



The Hooded Vulture. This bird has a head and beak 

 shaped like the last ; but there are no long feathers on 

 the back of the former, which is of a dark flesh colour. 

 It is of relatively small size. 



CHAPTER VI 

 BIRDS OF PREY : OWLS 



THERE are thirteen species of owls described from south 

 of the Zambezi. It will be sufficient here to mention 

 one or two of the larger types. The majority prey on 

 insects, such as scorpions and locusts, also on small 

 lizards, rats, and mice. Some, such as the little Scops 

 Owls, appear to be insectivorous only. 



The Giant Eagle Owl is much the largest of the tribe. 

 It is of dark brownish-grey colour mottled with white, 

 and has prominent ear tufts. It is distributed through 

 most of the Ethiopian region. It is, like the other 

 members of its family, strictly nocturnal, sleeping in 

 the daytime amid the foliage of some leafy tree, usually 

 crouching, its breast supported on a branch, in preference 

 to perching in an upright position. At night it sallies 

 forth to attack birds from the size of guinea-fowls, and 

 mammals from the size of hares downwards. It is a 

 confirmed robber of the poultry yard, and will force its 

 way night after night into badly constructed fowl-houses 

 until it has cleared out the roost. 



* Shaped like the head of a lance or spear. 



