6268 



Birds. 



feathers ; the skin hangs down, and is of a bright red colour, similar 

 to that of the turkey ; the bill is about nine inches long and black, 

 is curved, sharp-pointed and large, similar to the stork's, and has a 

 knob, or is larger at the top near the head, similar to some of the horn- 

 bills ; the legs are short, but this bird jumps so quickly and so far 

 that, if only winged, it is almost impossible to catch him on foot. 

 Their habits are somewhat curious ; they generally hunt in company 

 from four to eight or ten together, feed almost entirely on snakes, and 

 do not hesitate to attack those of the largest and most venomous kinds 

 in the following manner : on discovering a large snake three or fojir 

 of the birds advance sideways towards it, with their wings stretched 

 out ; with the quill-feathers they flap and irritate the snake till he 

 seizes them by the wing-feathers, when they immediately all close 

 and give him a violent peck with their long and sharp bills, imme- 

 diately withdrawing again, when the snake leaves his hold ; this they 

 repeat till the snake is dead ; if the reptile advances on them they 

 place both wings in front of them completely covering their heads and 

 most vulnerable parts. 



" There is also a small animal here, something like a polecat, which 

 kills large venomous snakes (some eight to twelve feet long) in a 

 curious manner : when he finds the reptile has left his hole he enters 

 and awaits its return ; the instant the snake puts its head in, the cat 

 seizes him by the upper part of the neck, not leaving his hold till the 

 snake is dead : he then bites the snake into many pieces, laying them 

 together carefully in a heap, but seldom eats them : he then struts 

 about with hair erect, seemingly much pleased with the feat he has 

 accomplished. 



" I have perfect confidence in what the Caffres tell me, as they have 

 every opportunity of seeing and knowing the habits of many animals 

 and birds ; but of course when my information is from them I shall 

 tell you." 



Occurrence of Rare Birds 7iear Banff. By Thomas Edward. 



A specimen of the spoonbill {Platalea leucorodia) was seen near 

 this place last spring : it frequented the same spot for nearly three 

 weeks. 



During the past summer a specimen of the bee-eater [Merops 

 apiaster) was observed by three different individuals at a place 

 called the Hills of Boyndie, about two miles from Banff. 



