306 Mr. C. F. M. Swynnerton on the 
patches for food, though in this case it seldom descends 
below the upper branches of the trees. It is evidently double- 
brooded, as I have had the young brought to me in October 
and again have found a nest with eggs—the usual frail 
structure of sticks, about ten feet from the ground—in 
Chirinda (somewhat to my surprise) in January; the large 
wild fig-trees which are scattered through the more open 
country are favourite nesting-sites. They are stolid birds, 
those in my aviary, even when freshly caught, allowing me 
to approach quite close before moving, and merely staring 
stupidly though quite evidently in fear. The call is a piping 
“ kureti, kureti kureti,” followed by a harsh “kurrrr.’ The 
natives say that one individual out of a flock will sometimes 
purposely give a false alarm, returning immediately and 
enjoying the feast alone. 
163. Turtur semirorquatus. Red-eyed Dove. 
Though this species is not nearly socommon in some parts 
of the highlands as the following, I have nevertheless met 
with it frequently enough throughout the district, and in 
the Jihu it quite takes the place of Turtur capicola as the 
common Dove of the Kafir kraals. It is also extremely 
abundant in the Mafusi country. When Chirinda offers any 
special attraction, as at the time of the ripening of the berries 
of the “ Musuguta,” a large Euphorbiaceous tree, these 
Doves may be seen flying thither in parties of three or four, 
though at other times they prefer the open woods or the 
neighbourhood of streams. The note is imitated by the natives 
as “ku ! ku! hambd’siki!” the words (Coo! Coo! Go by 
night!) beiag presumably purely fanciful and without 
reference to any habit, real or imaginary, on the part of the 
bird. I at present (end of March) know a nest, a somewhat 
solid structure, built solely of sticks, fifteen feet from the 
ground, on which the bird is sitting on two eggs. 
164. Turtur capicota. Cape Turtle-Dove. 
This, the common Dove of the mountains, is found in 
considerable numbers in the neighbourhood of Kafir kraals 
and homesteads. It is extremely tame, and the individuals 
