4 MR. J. H. GURNEY ON BIRDS [Jan. 12, 
served both north and south of the Orange River (I always speak 
of the south-west coast). Found most abundant in the neighbour- 
hood of the Okavango River. Flight very rapid and powerful. 
ACCIPITER GABAR. 
The commonest Sparrow-Hawk in Damara Land, especially abun- 
dant in some rainy seasons. Feeds on mice, lizards, locusts, moths, 
white ants, &c. 
Anterior part of bill and legs bright reddish orange ; nails of a dark 
horn-black ; iris brilliant purple. Extreme length of a full-grown 
female* about 1 foot 1 inch 8 lines, the male being only 12 inches 
long. 
MELIERAX POLYZONUS (Riipp.). 
Not uncommon in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but not so 
numerous as Accipiter gabar. Food nearly similar to that of the 
preceding species. Iris dark brown; legs yellow, brightest beneath 
the toes; bill bluish black, approaching to the latter colour towards 
the extremities. 
PoLIOHIERAX SEMITORQUATUS (Smith). 
Very rare in all parts from the Orange River on the south to the 
Okavango River to the north, and Lake Ngami to the east. I never 
personally observed above seven or eight specimens. Their flight 
appears short when disturbed ; they just remove from one tree or 
bush to another. Usually found in pairs. Ata distance they have 
scarcely the appearance of Hawks, and may easily be mistaken for 
some large species of Shrike. 
ACCIPITER POLYZONOIDES, Smith. 
T am inclined to think this Hawk a scarce bird; at all events, I 
have only obtained three or four specimens, and, to the best of my 
recollection, have seen but few more; however, from its great re- 
semblance at a distance to one or two other species, it is probable I 
may have overlooked or confounded him with such. Iris bright 
orange; legs yellow; base of upper mandible yellow, remainder 
(except near the base, where it is bluish black) darkish. 
ACCIPITER MINULLUS (Daud.). 
Very rare; I do not remember to have met with it in Great Na- 
maqua Land. 
CIRCUS SWAINSONI, Smith. 
Migratory. In favourably rainy seasons met with pretty nume- 
rously. Their haunts are the sides and banks of marshes and rivers 
and other humid places. I have observed very few old or mature 
* All measurements given in these “ notes ” are taken from birds immediately 
after death. I divide my inch into 12 lines. 
