THE ZooLocist—JuUNE, 1875. 4473 
of having gaiters. We often see this hawk perched on the branch 
of a dead tree, watching the ground intently for its prey, which 
consists principally of mice, but it does not despise the larger 
insects, such as locusts. This is a most inoffensive bird, and rarely 
kills even small birds, and we have never heard of its taking poultry. 
It is naturally very tame, and will permit of such near approach 
without stirring that the Kafirs, who can easily knock it over with 
their knob-kerries, have given it the name of the “ Ispumongate,” 
or the fool. Its voice is a loud piercing shriek, more like that of 
an eagle; in fact, it has been classed amongst the Aquila by 
some naturalists. We have not come across their nests, but Le 
Vaillant says that “they build in lofty trees, and line their nests 
with feathers and wool; the female lays two round eggs, 
blotched with brownish red.” Including the tail it is about two 
feet long. 
We kept one of these hawks tame along with a specimen of the 
red kite (Milvus parasiticus). The plumage of the latter bird 
varies considerably, but it is usually dark reddish brown on the 
back and wings; head gray; breast light brown; belly red and 
white; cere and legs yellow; eyes yellow-brown; and in size 
rather less than the black hawk. The eggs we have were taken 
out of a nest built in a high tree; they are white, spotted with red, 
and two inches in diameter. After keeping this kite some months 
we let it loose, but it did not immediately take to a wild state, 
remaining about the house looking for food. This and some other 
kinds of hawks are eaten by the natives, who say that the flesh is 
quite equal to that of birds which feed on vegetables. 
Kingfishers.—These lovely creatures are everywhere general 
favourites in those choice localities where they are to be seen, 
both on account of the beautiful tropical tints with which they are 
adorned, as well as for their sprightly and cheerful habits. Behold 
him now gliding over the surface of the water, his gorgeous 
plumage glistening in the rays of the sun, the next moment 
plunging deep and emerging with his finny prey! Will not the 
naturalist agree with us that it is a delightful recreation to spend 
an hour or two in a retired spot haunted by these fairy birds, 
meditating in the solitude? On such a theme as this one might 
almost be tempted to linger and forget facts. On the well- 
wooded banks of the Ifafa four varieties of the kingfisher are very 
common :— 
