616 Lieut. C. G. Fincli-Davies on [Ibis, 



46. Elanus cseruleus (Desf.). Black-shouldered Kite. 



I have found this species fairly common in every part of 

 South Africa where I have collected, but, perhaps, scarcer 

 in the South-West Protectorate than elsewhere. Although 

 usually seen singly or in pairs, I once came across a flock of 

 twelve, perhaps collected for purposes of migration of some 

 sort. Each pair seems to have its recognised beat and 

 favourite perches, where they may be found regularly at 

 certain times. Its mode of hunting almost exactly resembles 

 that of the common European Kestrel: hovering on quickly- 

 beating wings at no great height above the ground until it 

 spots its prey, which may be a mouse, grasshopper, or beetle 

 or other insect, it then descends on it with a gentle glide, 

 not a quick dash. It is a fearless little bird, and I believe 

 extremely useful, feeding almost entirely on insects of various 

 sorts, and occasionally on rats and mice. Where they are per- 

 mitted, a pair will generally take up their residence amongst 

 the trees near a farmhouse, and no doubt prove very useful, 

 while they are certainly very ornamental. Unfortunately, 

 they are sometimes accused of killing chickens, and shot in 

 consequence ; personally I have never heard of an authentic 

 case of chicken-killing, but many people seem to have a 

 fixed idea that because a bird is a hawk it must be destruc- 

 tive and therefore to be shot on sight. We have only to 

 observe the attitude of other birds towards this species, to 

 note how little it is feared by them. I have often seen 

 W^eavers and other small birds sitting witliin a few feet 

 of them, even on the same branch, and showing no fear 

 whatever. 



I have nothing to record with reference to plumage- 

 changes, except to mention a curious albinistic specimen in 

 the Transvaal Museum. This specimen, an adult male, is 

 almost entirely white, with the following exceptions : three 

 primaries in the left wing are normally coloured, a few grey 

 feathers appear on the scapulars, the crown of the head and 

 upper mandible are pale grey, and there is a grey tinge on 

 tlie sides of the breast. The soft parts are normal. 



