Mr. T. Ayres on the Ornithology of Transvaal. 299 
valley. It was exceedingly fat_, and the stomach was loaded 
with beetles and berries. 
[Mr. E. C. Buxton, who met with this species in the course 
of a journey from Natal to the Lahomba mountains, has 
favoured me with the following note respecting it:—In the 
breeding-season the throat of the male is enormous, and it 
plays like a Blackcock. You may then see it a great distance; 
it looks snow-white, from its turning all its feathers inside 
oue^—J.H.G.] 
J^GiALTTis vARiA (Vicill.). Kittlitz'^s Plover. 
Male, shot 22nd August. 
This species migrates to this part of the country during the 
present month for the purpose of breeding; it is found 
sparsely in pairs, frequenting stony and tussocky ground 
where vegetation is scanty, and generally at no great distance 
from water; it disappears during the winter months. The 
stomachs of this bird and its mate (killed at the same time) 
contained insects, principally a species of white ant. From 
the size of the eggs in the ovary of the hen bird, I have no 
doubt she would have laid in a few days. 
Ardea ardesiaca, Wagl. Lesser African Schistaceous 
Heron. 
Male, adult, shot 21st February. Total length 20 inches, 
bill (from gape) 3f, tarsus 3^, wing (barely) 10, tail (barely) 
3f. Irides dusky hazel-brown; bill black ; bare skin about 
the eye and base of bill black; tarsi and shanks black; feet 
gamboge-yellow, greenish just above the junction of the toes, 
claws black. Stomach contained remains of very small 
fish. 
This beautiful Heron has a curious habit, whilst feeding, 
during the heat of the day and when the sun shines blazing 
hot, of throwing one wing suddenly forward and holding it 
out, so that it shades a small portion of shallow water; the 
bird immediately peers into the water searchingly, and inva¬ 
riably makes a dart at some unlucky little fish. In the 
specimen sent the tips of the primaries are worn; and without 
doubt this comes from the wing being so constantly thrown 
forward against rough grass and plants. 
