258 THE BIRDS OF RIVER AND VLEI 



Neither of these birds is exactly common except in 

 certain few localities, and only the latter breeds within our 

 limits. 



The Paiated Snipe {Bostratula hengahnsis) is the most 

 richly-coloured species of all, and ia this case — contrary to 

 the usual course — the female is more brightly tinted than 

 the male, having the back and shoulders of a bronzy-brown 

 glossed with metallic-green, and the neck chestnut. Length, 

 9| to 10 inches. 



This bird is widely distributed, ranging from India, Chiaa 

 and Japan, through Egypt to South Africa. It was found 

 breeding by Andersson in Damaraland, and by Lawrence at 

 Lady Grey, Cape Colony. 



GREBE 



There are three species of Grebe (Family Podicipedidce) 

 in South Africa, differing from one another considerably 

 in size. They are usually known to the Colonial as " Divers." 



The Great-crested Grebe {Golymlus cristatus) is easily 

 recognisable by its large size (length, 20 inches), a double 

 crest resembling the " ears " of an owl, and a thick ruff of 

 chestnut and black feathers on the upper neck. 



It is fairly abundant and generally distributed in the 

 sub-continent, inhabiting vleis, dams and similar localities. 

 Like the other members of the family, they are expert 

 divers, often travelling a hundred yards or so under water. 

 It also has the habit of often swimming deep in the water, 

 only the centre of the back, head and neck being visible. 

 It feeds on moUuscs, small fish, and Crustacea — also on 

 aquatic plants. The nests are built on the matted weeds 

 growing in the water and reaching only to the surface, where 

 the nest practically floats. Eggs, three in number, and of a 



