CHARACTERISTIC BIRDS. 
193 
Also as a Parrot ( Goracopsis ) may also be regarded 
as a distinctive bird of this part of the world, although 
it is only found in Madagascar and its neighbouring 
islands. Amongst the Passeres, we may regard the 
following as characteristic of Africa :—the Desert Trum¬ 
peter ( Bucanetes githagineus ) and other Finches ( Estrdda , 
Amadina , Mariposa, Pytelia , &c.), the Whydah birds 
and Weavers ( Ploceus ), and, on the other hand, Sand 
and Desert Larks ( Ammomanes , Alcemon ). The order of 
the Corvidce is represented by the Ox-peckers ( Buphaga ) 
and Glossy Starlings ( Lamprotornis ), the White-backed 
Crow (. Pterocorax scapulatus), the White-naped Crow 
( Corvultur ), and the singular Bare-headed Crow ( Pica - 
thartes gymnocephalus ), and lastly, by the Plantain-eaters * 
(. Musophaga ) and Colies* (Colius). Amongst the African 
birds of prey it is only necessary to mention one, 
the Secretary Falcon ( Gypogeranus serpentarius). This 
is more remarkable and more characteristic of Africa 
than is the Lammergeir of Europe, or the Condor of 
America. There is no species like it in the whole 
order. In this bird we find united in a most singular 
way the characteristics of the Raptores with those of 
the running birds. Although a good flyer, it runs in 
the chase more like a Bustard than a bird of prey, for 
its power is not so much in its wings as in its legs, 
which are very long. Only one other bird, and that too 
an African, has a frame constructed in a manner so 
singular as this, the Bateleur Eagle ( Helotarsus ecaudatus ), 
the true acrobat of the air, of which we shall by-and-bye 
have to speak at length. Amongst the order of the Fissi- 
rostres there are some which are also typical of Africa. 
* These are usually included by authors among the Scansorial birds, and having 
nothing to do with the Corvidce , or, indeed, with any Passeres — W. J. 
