240 Mr. J. H. Gurney’s List of a Collection of Birds 
They generally come here in September, and leave again in 
March or April. Iris brown. 
15. El anus melanopterus (Daud.). Black-winged Elanus. 
Rare. Iris orange. The CafFres assert that it chases pigeons 
and catches them on the wing. This bird is frequently unsteady 
in its flight, and its appearance then much resembles that of a 
small sea-gull. It takes its prey (which consists principally of 
rats) much in the same way as Tinnunculus rupicolus. They are 
generally to be found in the open country, alighting on the tops 
of low trees scattered over the “ Veldt.” 
16. Pernis apivorus (Linn.). Honey Pern. 
Very rare. The stomach of the specimen sent was filled 
with a peculiar kind of wasp. Iris bright yellow; legs also 
[The example sent, an adult male, is the only instance which 
has come to my knowledge of the occurrence of this species south 
of the equator.—J. H. G.] 
17. Avicida cuculoides (Sw.). African Pern. 
Frequents the dense bush, and is extremely shy. When 
it first leaves the nest, the iris is a very light brown, but sub¬ 
sequently becomes of a bright lemon-yellow; the legs are light 
18 . Tinnunculus rupicolus (Daud.). Rock Kestrel. 
Neither rare nor shy; preys on small birds and rats, which 
it hunts on the wing, hovering over the high grass, remaining 
many seconds stationary in the air. It chases the Milvus para- 
situs and other large birds away from its station, attacking them 
with great spirit, rising above them and then darting down on 
their backs. It builds its nest on the sides of precipices in the 
clefts. 
19 . Buteo jakal (Daud.). Jackal Buzzard. 
Shy, but not rare. They feed on insects (principally black 
crickets and grasshoppers) and also on rats and birds. They 
frequently select a tree which stands alone, on the top of which 
they perch, watching for their prey, which they take on the 
