150 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



The favourite food of the Boomslang consists of cliameleons, 

 birds and their fallow young, and eggs. The latter are swallowed 

 whole, the powerful gastric juices of the snake dissolving the 

 shell. They often descend to the ground and hunt for other 

 species of snakes, lizards, and frogs. 



My captive Boomslangs often swallowed pigeons' eggs, which 

 remained in their stomachs intact, sometimes for twelve to 

 twenty-four hours. In one instance a snake swallowed two 

 pigeons' eggs, which remained unbroken in its stomach for 

 three weeks. The reptile, being in poor condition at the 

 time, its gastric fluid was evidently too weak to dissolve the 

 shell. When the eggs were removed after the death of the snake, 

 I noticed the shell had been somewhat roughened by the action 

 of the acid fluids of the snake's stomach. 



Chameleons, other tree lizards, caterpillars, and various 

 larvae are sought after and eaten by Boomslangs. So closely 

 does the colour of these reptiles' skins blend with the foHage, that 

 I have known birds to hop upon their bodies, mistaking them for 

 branches. These snakes can imitate the branches of a tree to 

 perfection. The body is contorted and twisted amongst the 

 leaves, and is perfectly rigid. For hours a Boomslang will lie 

 amongst the leaves and twigs, its large unwinking eyes keenly 

 on the alert. If an unwary bird should approach within striking 

 distance, the forepart of the snake's body is shot out as swiftly 

 as a stone from a catapult, and next instant the bird.strugghng, 

 is in its jaws. In a minute or two the victim ceases to move, 

 for the deadly venom has paralysed its nerve centres. Then 

 the snake assumes a comfortable position, and swallows its 

 prey. 



When a Boomslang is seen by birds in the vicinity of their 

 nests, they become intensely alarmed and excited, flying rapidly 

 to and fro, hopping from twig to twig, fluttering their wings 

 and making various other excited demonstrations. Hearing the 

 noise, other birds come along and join in the effort to scare away 

 the intruder. The snake is in no way alarmed. It remains 

 as still as a statue, its head drawn back and its body at an angle 

 suitable for a rapid and long forward thrust. Presently one 

 of the birds, in wild excitement, approaches within striking 

 distance. Instantly, with unerring aim, its body is launched 

 forth and a bird loses its life. 



