BUSTARDS 213 



BUSTARDS 



The Korhaans (Family Otididce) are fairly numerous in 

 South Africa, twelve species being found within our limits. 



The male of the Black Korhaan {Otis ajra) has the crown 

 ashy and ear-coverts white ; rest of head, neck and under 

 parts black ; wing black with a white band. 



This bird is confined to the Cape Colony, being replaced 

 north of the Orange Eiver by the White-quilled Korhaan 

 (0. afroides), which closely resembles the foregoing bird, 

 but has the primary wing-feathers white on the inner web, 

 only the tips being black ; quills white below, whereas they 

 are black in afra. The females of both species are without 

 the black and white variegations. The White-quilled species' 

 ranges from the Northern Cape Colony to the Transvaal. 

 Length of both species about 21 inches. 



Both birds are usually found in pairs on the flats, where 

 their harsh croaking call may be heard at almost any time 

 of the day. They are not easily located in the grass except 

 when the male protrudes his black head above the level 

 of the grass ; when flushed he flies up with a loud cackle ; 

 they afford good sport and are good eating. 



The Vaal Korhaan (0. vigorsi) is ashy-grey above, shaded 

 with pink and speckled with dark brown ; below paler with 

 a beautiful pink sheen, which is seldom seen in the prepared 

 skin, as it fades after death. Length, 24 inches. 



The White-necked Paauw {Otis ludwigii) is larger than 

 any of the Korhaans, and is distinguished from the Stanley 

 Paauw (0. caffra) by the arrow-shaped markings of yellowish 

 on the back, and by the mottled buff cross bands on the 

 tail ; the latter bird is without the arrow-shaped spots of 

 sandy buff, and has the tail cross-barred with white. The 



