Crowned Hornbill.



97



CROWNED HORNBILL*


Lophoceros melanoleucus.


The Black and White Toucans seem to be very common in

Natal, S. Africa. They fly with a light undulating movement,

and perch conspicuously in the low bush trees of the coast.


I have frequently seen pairs of them, and sometimes as

many together as five or eight. They are not quite so numerous

up country as on the coast, but may be seen among the trees on

the farmsteads, and being of a bold disposition, not unfrequently



From Stark & Sclater’s Birds of S. Africa, vol. Ill, p. no.


(By courtesy of the Publishers).



fly down and feed among the fowls. Some farmers accuse them

of carrying away young chickens and stealing eggs, but I have

never heard of them being caught in the act, and so think it is a

libel; the thieves and murderers being most likely the White¬

necked Crows. Alice Hutchinson.



* This, I think, must be the species intended, although (in a sketch which accom¬

panied this note) the bills are represented as black and not carinated ; but then this is the

bird known as the “ Toucan ” of the Colonists. It lives upon insects and fruit, devouring

(Stark tells us) a good many bananas and tomatoes.—Ed. pro. tern. A. G. B.



