188 



DENIZENS OP THE FOREST 



skin round the eye and the legs red. Length, 13 to 14 inches. 

 It is found throughout South Africa, excepting Ehodesia. 



This bird is called the Bosch-duif by the Boers, but is 

 more strictly speaking a rock-loving species, breeding on 

 krantzes (cliffs), or on the top of a wall in an out-buUding. 



Pia. 99. — South African Speckled or Rock Pigeon. 



The eggs are white, two in number, and may be looked for 

 during the months of August to March. 



It does a considerable amount of damage to grain crops, 

 but is, on the other hand, of decided use in devouring insects, 

 including locusts and their young (voetgangers). It is about 

 the size of a tame pigeon and has a similar cooing call. 



The Olive Pigeon (C arquatrix) is slightly larger than the 

 preceding bird, and has a number of vernacular names. 



It shares with the Speckled Pigeon the Boer cognomen of 

 Bosch-duif, and is also occasionally called the Oliven-duif. 



