XII 
LAKE RUDOLPH 
281 
I first observed a rather curious thing which afterwards became a 
common sight. It is the habit of this rosy bee-eater (Merops 
nubicus) to ride on the back of the large crested pauw (Eupodotis 
kori ), which is common about the north-east extremity of 
Bassu. It sits far back, on the rump of its mount, as a boy 
rides a donkey. The pauw does not seem to resent this liberty, 
Pauw [Eupodotis kori) AND BEE-EATER [Merops nubicus). 
but stalks majestically along, while its brilliantly clad little 
jockey keeps a look-out, sitting sideways, and now and again 
flies up after an insect it has espied, returning again after the 
chase to “its camel as Juma not inaptly called it. I have 
even seen two bee-eaters riding on one pauw. I have also 
noticed this pretty little bird sitting on the backs of goats, 
sheep and antelopes, but the pauw seems its favourite steed. 
