190 NATURAL HISTORY OF UGANDA ANGLO-GERMAN BOUNDARY. [June 6, 



A few Pin-tailed Ducks were also seen, but no Mallard at any 

 time. 



Teal are not uncommon ; and in the Rufusa Stream and the 

 swampy streams draining the Karenge Lake the Snipe were fairly 

 numerous in December and January. 



Along the lake-shore, especially among the ambatch trees, were 

 vast communities of Weaver-birds. IsTo less than seventeen 

 forms are represented in the collection of these, many belonging 

 to the brilliant species found inland. 



Ibises are not uncommon near the water. The Glossy Ibis is a 

 common bird, and most travellers are familiar with its exasperating- 

 cry when disturbed. The Sacred Ibis, on the other hand, is much 

 shyer, and confined to larger and remote sheets of water. 



Crowned Cranes are common, especially in the west. 



Bustards are not uncommon, especially in the open cattle- 

 country in the west, about December. Denham's Bustard, the 

 large red-necked species, was freqviently seen. 



Pigeons are not often seen, but the Doves in places were veiy 

 numerous indeed, especially in Bukanga. 



Parrots were scarce, except the one small species collected. 

 C4rey Parrots, so common in Uganda, were never seen near the 

 Kagera. 



Birds of Prey were represented by the Bateleur Eagle and 

 another species which was frequently observed pui'suing guinea- 

 fowl. 



Vultures were rarely seen except in Bukanga, where the lions 

 provided them with frequent meals. 



It is worth noting that in April a migration of Hobbies appears 

 to pass through the country. Enormous numbers of this 

 handsome little falcon were seen at the same time busily 

 engaged in pursuing locusts, large clouds of which appeal' to 

 make their appearance at the same time. 



In the neighbourhood of the lake Hornbills of two species 

 are common, and Touracoes of two species make tlieir appearance 

 in the dense forests. 



An interesting bird was the Honey-guide, which in Bukanga 

 and the narrow valley of the Kagera River very frequently 

 provided us with honey by leading to the nests of wild bees. 



Goatsuckers are common, and in March, April, and May the 

 pennant-winged species became very conspicuous, as when the 

 long feathers are developed the bird has the appearance, when 

 on the Aving, of a toy Japanese kite. 



Three species of Bee -eaters were seen, but the Roseate Bee-eatei- 

 of East Africa and the Nile countries did not make an appeai'ance. 



The birds belonging to the scrub and open forest country, the 

 Barbets, Woodpeckers, Pittas, Swallows, Flycatchei'S, Thrushes, 

 Shrikes, Tits, and Finches, were never to be seen in lai-ge numbers, 

 though appealing in isolated parties sufficiently often to preserve 

 the district from the appearance of lifelessness, which is a 

 disappointing feature in other parts. 



