generally in companies. When disturbed, instead of attempting to
hide, they immediately take wing and fly a considerable distance
round and round, when, from their appearance and strong flight,
they may easily be mistaken for a flock of black Ducks. The
stomach contained weeds, seeds of water-plants, and insects.”
Mr. P. A. Barratt writes:—“ The Crested Coot is by no means
rare, frequenting the same places as G. chloropus. It is very quick
in its movements, and can run very rapidly on its feet as well as
being a swift swimmer. I have seen the young ones swimming with
the egg-shell still attached to them; and it is curious to see the
manner in which they disappear when alarmed. Towards the mouth
of the Mooi Biver, near the Yaal, I found them in great abundance.
I have shot them a few hours north of Pretoria;” and Mr. Ayres
gives the following note:—“ These birds are much more abundant
in the Transvaal than in Natal, and also not nearly so shy. In
Natal they are very shy, and maintain a flight for a length of
time, examining their ground well before re-alighting; but in the
Transvaal they seem to trust more to hiding and diving for safety,
and, when flushed, fly but a short distance. Frequently have I
stood up to my middle in water listening to some cunning old bird
within a few yards of me, and vainly trying to catch a glimpse
of him, where there was not enough cover, apparently, to hide a rat.
Either these birds must possess the power of ventriloquism, or they
must remain under water with perhaps just their bills out; one
thing is certain, that they are expert divers.”
Mr. Andersson’s notes on the species are the following:—“ This
species is common in suitable localities in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, but is more abundant in the Lake regions. These
Coots may often be observed congregated in large numbers on open
sheets of water, where they might easily be mistaken for a flock of
Ducks, except that they do not f pack 3 like wild fowl. If disturbed
they will sometimes, if near a reedy brake, seek safety by hiding
there; but more frequently they have recourse to their wings, when
they exhibit great powers of flight. They build their nests of,.
and amongst, reeds, rushes, and grasses, usually selecting the most
retired spots, though I have also found their nests in most exposed
situations. A few old reed-stalks serve as a footing for the nest,
which is roughly but firmly constructed, and is raised, though
sometimes only a few inches, above the surface of the water.”
Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from Mossamedes and
the Bio Coroca (native name “ Kitudi” ).
The entire plumage (with the exception of the head and neck,
which are quite black) is a dull, dark slate colour; bill livid;
frontal shield pure white, and surmounted by two singular knobs of
a deep reddish chestnut colour, which shrivel up and become quite
brown in death; irides red; legs green, with a pink garter just
under the feathers of the thigh. Length, 16"; wing, 9-|"; tail, .
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii. pi. 504, fig. 1.
600. G allinula chloropus (L.). Moor-hen.
The. “ Waterhen ” or “ Moorhen | is not uncommon in the
colony, frequenting the same 'places as the Crested Coot. Most
of the specimens received by us came from Mr. Atmore, who shot
them about Sweflendam. It is common at Zoetendals Vley, where
he met with it in November. Mr. T. Atmore also found it breeding
about Grahamstown.
Mr. Gurney has recorded the Moorhen from Natal, and Mr. Ayres
found it frequenting the reedy banks of the Mooi Biver, but not
plentiful.
Mr. Barratt met with it near Pretoria in December, and along
the Orange Biver, as well as in the Transvaal as far as Lydenburg.
Mr. Ayres has also shot the species close to Potchefstroom.
Mr. Andersson observes :—“ This species is common in all suitable
localities in Damara Land and the adjacent countries. It breeds
in February and March, usually forming its nest amongst the rank
vegetation bordering on its favourite resorts, which are stagnant
pools and other still waters overgrown with weeds and aquatic
plants. This species swims and dives with great expertness, and
may be observed nodding its head first on one side and then on the
other as it swims in the more open parts of the water, picking up
vegetable substances, insects, and other food as it passes onwards.
In the early morning and in the evening it may be seen away from
the water searching amongst the grass for worms, slugs, and larvae,
in addition to which it also feeds on grass and seeds. When on
land it frequently twitches and jerks its tail, exhibiting the-white
under-coverts; and if suddenly disturbed will occasionally take
wing for a short distance, flying with its long legs hanging downward
; but more frequently prefers to seek its safety by running to.