Birds of Gazaland, Southern Rhodesia. — 309 
conspicuously, about three and a half feet from the ground, 
in the fork of a shrub. The low, mournful call of this bird 
is translated by the natives into quite a long complaint, which 
runs as follows, with frequent pauses: ‘“ This year I have not 
slept : sleep has not come: I am surprised at these people— 
they have come and taken my children: I am distressed— 
bereaved; ku ku,” &c. A number of these birds in my 
aviary shew the same excess of nervousness as the Haplopelias. 
Length in the flesh 8°25 to 8°8 inches. Iris brown; legs 
dusky purple ; bill blackish, basal half with a strong purplish 
tinge. 
169. Caatcoretta arra. Emerald-spotted Dove. 
I shot one of these birds in January in the Jihu, where 
they seem to be fairly common along the course of the 
Kurumadazi. 
170. Francotrnus coqut. Coqui Francolin. 
On one occasion only have I put this bird up in this 
district, between Chirinda and the Buzi, and I have never 
heard its call. JI am informed, however, that it is found in 
the Sabi Valley. 
171. FRancoxinus sHELLEYI. Shelley’s Francolin. 
Comparatively plentiful throughout the district, though 
less abundant than the so-called Pheasant (Pternistes). Its 
characteristic call is one of the commonest sounds of the 
early morning, and is rendered by the natives as “‘ Pimbira 
(a leg is said to be raised as the bird says this) kokwe (leg 
down), Pimbira kokwe!” To myself the cry sounds most 
like ‘* Tel-él-kebir,” repeatedly uttered. 
172. Prernistes Nupicotuis. Red-necked Francolin. 
This is the commonest Francolin of the district, particularly 
in grass-jungle. It is a most provoking bird to anyone 
stalking a buck, for it is extremely wary, apparently capable 
of detecting his presence at a considerable distance, and 
gives the alarm by rising suddenly with a clamour like that 
of a frightened Blackbird, but far louder. It is destructive 
to the natives’ crops, and they have to watch morning and 
evening to prevent its entering their fields. 
