Mashonaland Birds. 
267 
224. Scopus itmbretta. (Hamraerkop.) 
Though never very plentiful, a few pairs of this singular 
bird are to be found on almost every stream. I have not 
often had an opportunity of witnessing their weird gambols; 
but a short time ago I discovered three of them as they 
were solemnly dancing round one another, bowing and 
flapping their wings and exhibiting all sorts of strange 
antics, the whole performance appearing all the more 
ludicrous in so stolid-looking a bird. They are readily 
approachable, and usually their flight is somewhat laboured, 
though occasionally I have seen one rise in big circles higher 
and higher until almost out of sight and then descend swiftly 
again to the water. They are fond of frequenting a limited 
area for a considerable time, and will aways return to their 
favourite spot if not too rudely disturbed. The singularly 
large nests of this bird have otten been described ; they are 
generally placed in rather inaccessible places, but the only 
one I know of in this locality has been built on a broad tree- 
trunk projecting over a stream. 
225. Ciconia nigra. (Black Stork.) 
I have seen but very few specimens of this handsome Stork. 
It is remarkable that we have not met with any examples 
of the common White Stork as yet, for, although their 
migrations are erratic, yet there have been plenty of locusts 
to attract them during the last six years. It is possible that 
their line of migration may lie more to the westward, as 
Mr. Buckley met with them in immense flocks in Southern 
Matabeleland, whereas in the Transvaal Mr. Ayres says they 
are rare visitants and do not seem to fellow the locust-swarms 
thither. 
226. Ciconia abdimii. (White-bellied Black Stork.) 
A few small parties of this species have been observed 
round Salisbury during the past summer. The soft parts of a 
specimen in my collection were as follows —Bill jade-green, 
tip dull red ; iris brown ; bare parts of face thus : forehead 
pinkish white, chin and a large spot in front of eye crimson, 
remainder blue; knees and toes dull crimson, rest of legs 
