Birds of Gazaland, Southern Rhodesia. 305 
158. Leprorpritus CRUMENIFERUs. Marabou. 
I am informed by Mr. J. Ballantyne that he has met with 
this bird on the Sabi. 
159. Scopus umsrerra. Hammerkop. 
Occasionally seen flying overhead and doubtless commoner 
in the neighbourhood of the rivers. The natives have a super- 
stition to the effect that anyone burning the nest of this bird 
will go mad, and will follow the bird in its wanderings until 
he dies of exhaustion. They further believe that if a 
“'Tegwan”” crosses their path it is a sign that they must turn 
back and abandon their enterprise for the day, whereas if it 
flies straight ahead or straight back it is safe to proceed. The 
appearance of one of these birds near a kraal is considered 
unlucky and a witch-doctor is promptly consulted. It is 
believed that they will sometimes visit the hut of a witch- 
doctor unseen and abstract some of his medicine or charms, 
carrying them off to their nest. The doctors, on the other 
hand, will sometimes raid the home of the bird in search of 
odds and ends to add to their pharmacopeeia, for the Tegwan 
is regarded as a powerful medicine-man and ordinary Katirs 
are afraid to meddle with its possessions in any way. 
160. Heropias carzetta. Little Egret. 
I am told that of late one of these Egrets has frequently 
been seen feeding amongst the cattle of my neighbour, 
Mr. J. A. Jansen; and I have heard of other instances from 
time to time, though Ido not remember to have observed 
the bird here myself. 
161. PaciLonETTa ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Red-bill. 
This is the only Duck which I have so far had an oppor- 
tunity of identifying, though two other species appear to 
occur commonly enough in the district, one of them being, 
I believe, Anas sparsa. 
162. Vinaco peLvatanpit. Delalande’s Green Pigeon. 
Extremely common throughout the district and usually to 
be found feeding in flocks wherever wild figs or other ripe 
fruits are to be had, while frequently visiting the forest- 
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