FLAMINGOES 243 



green colour, with the head bald, red in colour, and the 

 bill long and red. Length, about 31 inches. It is a rare 

 bird in South Africa, and is sometimes known to the Boers 

 as the Wilde Kalkoen (Wild Turkey). 



The Hadadah Ibis {Theristicus hagedash) is olive-green 

 above, the wing-coverts being metallic ; the wing-quiUs 

 and tail dark purplish-blue ; head, neck and under-surface 

 ash-grey. Length, 30 to 31 inches. 



This bird is not uncommon in certain localities. We 

 found it breeding near Grahamstown ; the nest — a saucer- 

 shaped structure of stout sticks lined with moss and grass — 

 is built on the lower branches of a tree, generally over- 

 hanging water ; the eggs number three and vary from a 

 creamy tint of greenish-buff and creamy-brown, marked 

 with liver-brown blotches and streaks. One nest discovered 

 in the Albany Divn. was situated in a tree quite 40 feet 

 from the bottom of the kloof. During the winter the Hadadah 

 Ibis congregates into flocks. P. Thomsen of the Transvaal 

 Agriculture Department reports having seen them in large 

 flocks — as many as several hundreds together — devouring 

 voetgangers (immature locusts). They feed on other insects 

 as well, and are thus of considerable economic value to the 

 agriculturist and should certainly be protected, although 

 considered excellent eating by many people. 



FLAMINGOES 



There are two species of this specialised type of bird in 

 South Africa, recognised by their long legs and necks and 

 ' the remarkably shaped bill, which is abruptly bent down- 

 wards about the middle of its length ; plumage white, 

 washed with roseate piuk, the wings being black and crimson. 



The Greater Flamingo {Phcenicopterus roseus) is easily 



