APPENDIX 317 



Darters 



Snake-birJ, or Darter. — Plotus riifiis. On all large rivers ; it 

 posts itself on some dead bough overhanging the water, 

 whence it dives, scarcely disturbing the surface, and re- 

 turning to sit " spread-eagled " to dry. Sexes differ 

 somewhat in colouring. In South Africa the Darter 

 nests in September in overhanging willows, about six or 

 eight feet above water-level, and often beneath the nests 

 of Herons {^A. cincrea and A. mdanocepliala) in the higher 

 trees above. Nests lined with willow-leaves ; ecfors five, 

 of Cormorant-type. 



Cormorants 



White-breasted Cormorant — Plialacrocorax lucidus. 



Pigmy Cormorant — P. africanus. 



Two species of Cormorants occur inland breeding on 

 wooded rivers, as Athi, Molo and others ; also on all the 

 lakes, including the brackish — such as Nakuru and 

 Elmenteita — as well as on Naivasha. 



Pelicans 



Pelicans — Pdccanus onocrotalus and P. mfcscens. Pelicans were 

 observed in January on the Nairobi River, a few miles 

 from the capital ; also on all the big lakes. In August 

 we noticed a systematic southward migration, flock after 

 flock (along with wild geese) passing overhead during 

 three days, and all pointing towards Lake Nakuru. 



There are two kinds : the first-named a huge pinky- 

 white bird ; the latter much smaller and silvery-grey. 



Secretary-birds 



Common Secretary-Bird — Scrpentarius secretarms. Observed 

 on the open grass-prairies, as mentioned at pp. 23-1-5, 

 Makes a huge nest in low thorn-trees. 



