251



Field Notes from Bloemfontein.



the small locust bird, but although there are swarms of locusts

here the Pratincoles seem to feed mainly on winged ants and

small flying beetles.


The locusts nevertheless have one very formidable enemy,

the White Stork ( Ciconia. alba). Two days ago (January 27th)

the locust-swarms were followed by a flock of at least five

hundred of the great birds, and very fine they looked as they

sailed along in wide spirals, in the same line of flight, but high

over the locusts.


The sides of the kopje are inhabited by various busli-

loving species. The Cape Turtle Dove ( Turiur caficolal) and the

Senegal Dove ( T. se?iegale?isis ) are very common and are generally

seen singly, w 7 hile the little Cape Doves ( Gina capensis ) are nearly

always in pairs. I bought six of the latter from a small boy at a

farm for sixpence each, and have put a pair in my newly-built

aviary. I find them very sluggish and lazy and very tame.

They take almost no notice of me when I go into the aviary and

scarcely bother to move out of my way.


The Cape Sparrow ( Passer arcnatus ) is now breeding ; its

habits seem very like those of our home bird, and I noticed

several males having a free fight round a solitary female with the

usual dust and uproar that one sees in any garden at home. I

have also observed them vigorously chasing the Emerald

Cuckoos. The latter bird is parasitic on them and frequently

uses them as foster parents, but is a beautiful flier and easily

evades them in the air.


Two species of Shrike, the Bakbakiri ( La?iius gutturalis )

and the Fiscal Shrike (JL. collaris ) also breed on the slopes. The

former being a green bird and living in a green bush is very

seldom seen ; were it not for its loud and frequent call it would

be thought quite a rare bird. The Fiscal is quite common, and

can be seen any morning sitting on the railings enclosing the

bungalow. One bird visits the aviary every day and creates

great alarm among the inhabitants. I have a trap-cage outside

the aviary, and on several occasions he has only just avoided

capture—but he has grown very wary now.


A small covey of the Red-Winged Francolin lives on the

kopje and haunts the officers’ gardens. I am glad to say they



