244 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI 



distinguishable from the Lesser Bird {Ph. minor) by the 

 difference in size, the former having a length of 55 inches 

 against one of 39 inches in the case of the latter species. 



They are fairly common along the coasts and on many 

 of the inland waters. Dr. Symonds records the Greater 

 Flamingo from Kroonstad district, and we have seen them 

 in flocks on some of the vleis between Brandfort and Bult- 

 fontein. Orange Eiver Colony. It is reported as breeding 

 in South Africa by several observers. 



It breeds regularly in the South of Spain. Little is known 

 in South Africa of the smaller species. 



The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is white, with a red 

 crown. Length, 35 inches. Bill long, flattened, and spoon- 

 shaped. It is not common. 



GEESE AND DUCKS 



The Ducks, Geese, and Swans form the order Anseres, 

 whereof South Africa possesses but a single sub-family 

 (Anatince) containing eleven genera with eighteen species. 



The Spur-winged Goose {Plectropterus gamlensis), known 

 to the Boers as the Wilde Macaauw (Wild Muscovy)", is 

 glossy black with metallic reflections, the sides of the head, 

 throat, and lower neck, breast, belly, and edge of wing 

 white ; the wing armed with a sharp spur ; bare skin on the 

 top of the head, with the knob and bill red. Length, about 

 3 feet. 



This species has been but seldom recorded from the Cape 

 Colony, but is quite common on the vleis of the Orange 

 Free State, often consorting in flocks with ducks and 

 other water-fowl, the vleis being literally covered with 

 aquatic birds at certain seasons. 



It may be seen in captivity on some farms, in a semi- 

 domesticated condition, having been reared from the egg. 



