258 BIRDS OF DAMABA LAND. 



GRALL^. 



OTIDID^. 



299. Eupodotis kori (Burch.). Kori Bustard. 



Otis kori, Burchell's Travels in Southern Afr. vol. i. p. 303 (descr.), 

 p. 402 (head). 



„ „ Riippell's Mon. der Gatt. Otis, Mus. Sencb. vol. ii. pi. 13. 

 JEupodotis cristata, Layard's Cat. No. 540. 

 Otis hori, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 413. 



„ „ Fiuach & Plartlaub's Vbgel Ost-Afrika's, p. 611. 



This splendid bird is found throughout the year in 

 Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and is common as 

 far as Ondonga, but is partially migratory. 



Personally I have never seen one beyond thirty 

 pounds weight ; but I have been assured on good 

 authority that in some parts of the Free States and the 

 Trans- Vaal districts individuals are sometimes shot 

 weighing from sixty to seventy pounds. The spread of 

 the wings is eight feet four inches. The flesh is ex- 

 cellent eating. 



This Bustard is usually found in pairs ; but sometimes 

 three or four are to be found together. Its flight is 

 heavy, but is nevertheless very rapid ; and at night, 

 when changing its feeding-ground, it may be seen 

 flying at a very great height. It feeds on insects, 

 berries, &c., and is very partial to the sweet gummy 

 exudations of the low mimosa thorn so abundant in 

 Damara Land. 



