C. S. Webb—Some Notes on a Collecting Trip in Kenya



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these very large species must be seen in the brilliant tropical sunlight,

and I think the Tacazze is perhaps the most beautiful Sunbird in the

world when so viewed, but it looks quite different in a cage where its

colours do not show up to the same extent. It is curious that all the

Golden-winged Sunbirds in the Rift Valley had the gold on the throat

and breast, and were considerably brighter than those from the Aberdare

Mountains, which were black in the parts mentioned. From about

October to March these highlands are teeming with European Yellow

Wagtails, both eastern and western forms. It is interesting to note that

many migrants arrive here in a weak and emaciated condition, having

made the long and trying journey from Europe as rapidly as possible,

whereas in the spring they proceed homewards in easy stages and are

in breeding condition soon after arrival.


In the forests of the Aberdare Mountains the rare and local Jackson’s

Francolin {Francolinus jacksoni) is to be found, which is confined to the

Kenya Highlands. It is the largest of a very big genus and is quite

attractive to look at, but none of the African Francolins are at all

popular with aviculturists in England.


I must now mention the curious soda lakes to be found in the

Rift Valley. They are Lake Nakuru and Lake Elmemteita. These

waters are strongly impregnated with soda, and in the dry season when

the lakes shrink considerably there is a deposit of soda all round the

shores glistening like snow. The water has a very soft feel about

it and after wading in it a little while one’s legs become quite white

where the water has dried and left a coating of soda. These lakes are

the home of the Lesser Flamingo ( Phoeniconaias minor), which are in

countless thousands. It is a magnificent sight and has to be seen to

be believed, the numbers being almost incredible. They are so close

together that when disturbed the outside ones have to rise first before

the inner ones can flap their wings. It is a mystery at first sight

what such an army can live on, as there is nothing noticeable in the

water and the lake is devoid of vegetation. A close inspection will

reveal a very minute crustacean in the water, which is in myriads and

is hardly larger than the larvae of mosquitos, and this must be their

main diet. These Flamingos are only half the size of the Greater

Flamingo ( Phoenicopterus ruber) and belong to a different genus. In



