APPENDIX 
317 
Darters 
Snake-bird, or Darter.— Plotus rnfus. On all large rivers; it 
posts itself on some dead bough overhanging the water, 
whence it dives, scarcely disturbing the surface, and re¬ 
turning to sit “ spread-eagled ” to dry. Sexes differ 
somewhat in colouring. In South Africa the Darter 
nests in September in overhanging willows, about six or 
eight feet above water-level, and often beneath the nests 
of Herons (A. cinerea and A. melcmocephala) in the higher 
trees above. Nests lined with willow-leaves; eggs five, 
of Cormorant-type. 
Cormorants 
White-breasted Cormorant —Phalacrocorax lucidus. 
Pigmy Cormorant— P. africanus. 
Two species of Cormorants occur inland breeding on 
wooded rivers, as Athi, Molo and others; also on all the 
lakes, including the brackish—such as Nakuru and 
Elmenteita—as well as on Naivasha. 
Pelicans 
Pelicans— Pelecanus onocrotcdus and P. rufescens. Pelicans were 
observed in January on the Nairobi River, a few miles 
from the capital; also on all the big lakes. In August 
we noticed a systematic southward migration, flock after 
flock (along with wild geese) passing overhead during 
three days, and all pointing towards Lake Nakuru. 
There are two kinds : the first-named a huge pinky- 
white bird; the latter much smaller and silvery-grey. 
Secretary-birds 
Common Secretary-Bird— Serpentarius secretarius. Observed 
on the open grass-prairies, as mentioned at pp. 234-5. 
Makes a huge nest in low thorn-trees. 
