258 
Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall on 
this large bird hovering just like a Kestrel far up in the air; 
it resembles a Kestrel also in the way it descends on its prey, 
which is generally taken on the ground—the downward flight 
being comparatively gentle, and not headlong, like the mag¬ 
nificent swoop of the Bateleur. Messrs. Sharpe and Layard 
describe the cere as olive-yellow, whereas, in the specimens I 
have seen, that part, as well as the legs, have been bluish white. 
An immature bird in my collection also differs much from 
their description. In this there is a broad brown breast- 
band (distinctly lighter than in the adult), the rest of the 
underparts being pure white, with large dark brown blotches 
throughout. In an old bird the breast-band becomes narrower 
and almost black. Stomachs contained mice, snakes, lizards, 
and beetles. 
167. Helotarsus ecaudatus. (Bateleur Eagle.) 
A fairly common species throughout Mashonaland, but 
very shy, and I have not yet succeeded in bringing one to bag. 
It has a beautiful and a powerful flight, sailing majestically 
along with scarcely a flap of the wing, and remaining in the 
air for hours at a time. Its downward swoop must be made 
with enormous force ; and I well remember my astonishment 
when a female, hotly pursued by a male, swept down on me 
from behind, passing within a few yards, and before I had 
realized what was the cause of the terrific rush, they were 
far away in mid-air again. When camped on the Umfuli I 
obtained a young bird from some Kafirs; it became very 
tame, coming up to me and putting its head down to be 
scratched. I never confined it in any way beyond dipping 
its wings, and one day it wandered away on its own account. 
I fed it on buckwheat and the bodies of any birds I skinned, 
hut when meat was scarce it would catch locusts for itself. 
168. Helotarsus leuconotus. (White-hacked Bateleui 
Eagle.) 
On three occasions I have observed examples of this form 
near Salisbury, hut it would seem very doubtful whether it is 
entitled to specific rank. 
