Expedition to the Zambesi River . 439 
where we obtained one out of a pair on Nov. 27. After 
this date we occasionally saw small parties, evidently on 
migration southward, while on one occasion a big party 
suddenly appeared, as if from nowhere, and took up a position 
not far from the spot where some natives were busy cutting 
up a “ hippo ” that I had shot the day before. They kept at 
a respectful distance, watching with greedy curiosity the 
rows of biltong gradually lengthen as the natives plied the 
carcass with their knives and axes, but now and again 
one bolder than the rest would come forward and sneak off 
with a morsel, only, however, to be chased on return by the 
others with open wings. 
Adult $ (Nov. 27). Iris bluish black. Soft parts bluish 
and purplish flesh-colour, with brighter patches of the latter 
colour round the eyes. Legs and feet bluish flesh-colour. 
206. Hagedashia hagedash (Lath.). 
Parties now and again observed roosting on leafless trees 
overhanging the river. Never seen singly. 
207. Plegadis falcinellus (Linn.). 
Pound on the lower reaches of the river in July. 
208. Platalea alba Scop. 
A party appeared on a stretch of low sand opposite Zumbo 
on Nov, 9. 
209. Herodias ralloides (Scop.). 
Seen singly or in pairs, and first observed on Oct. 29 not 
far below Zombo. On Dec. 30, near the Kafue river, we 
passed through low, flat, reedy country. Here a fair number 
occurred, and there is not a doubt that a breeding-station 
existed somewhere in the locality. 
An adult female obtained on Jan. 4 had the sexual organs 
in breeding condition. Iris lemon-yellow. Soft parts, legs, 
and feet greenish yellow. 
210. Herodias alba (Linn.). 
Solitary individuals frequently observed where the river 
was a mass of sandbanks. Towards evening this graceful 
Heron was to be seen travelling at a quiet pace along the 
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