TETRAONID^. 247 



293. Scleroptera pileata (Smith). Pileated FrancoUn. 



Franeolimis pileatus, Smith's Zool. of S. Africa, pi. 14. 



„ „ Layard's Cat. No. 528. 



Scleroptera pileata, Gray's Hand-list of Birds, No. 9667. 



In travelling northward I first met with this Francolin 

 on the stony and wooded slopes above Okamabute in 

 Northern Damara Land, and subsequently observed it to 

 the north of that locality. It occurs in coveys, and 

 feeds on small bulbs, seeds, and berries ; its flesh is very 

 palatable. 



The iris is brownish. 



294. Scleroptera adspersa (Watertouse). Eed-billed Francolin. 



Francoliniia adspersus, Waterhouse, in Alexander's Exp. vol. ii. 

 p. 267. 

 „ „ Layard's Cat. No. 623. 



Scleroptera adspersa, Gray's Hand-list of Birds, No. 9669. 



This is the most common and abundant Francolin 

 indigenous to Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where 

 it is found in coveys which, in favourable seasons, not 

 uncommonly consist of from ten to fourteen individuals. 

 This species is seldom found afr any great distance from 

 the banks of the periodical streams, and on the least 

 approach of danger seeks shelter in the trees and 

 bushes with which these banks are generally studded. 

 It lives much on trees, roosting amongst the branches by 

 night, and also resting there during the heat of the day 



These Francolins run with extraordinary swiftness, 

 and wiU not use their wings unless very hard pressed ; 

 and when they do so, it is with the view of concealing 

 themselves amongst the thickest of the branches of some 



