The description given of F. communis will suffice equally well
for this species, with the exception that all the specimens that have
fallen under our observation seem to be duller-coloured, and the
transverse dark bars on the abdomen of the adult bird are also closer
together than in F. communis, in which respect F. minor resembles
F. melanogenys of Australia.
Fig. Sharpe, Oat. B. i, pb xii.
51. F alco b ia em ic u s . South African Banner.
( P late II.)
The present species, though closely allied to F. tanypterus, which
it represents in South Africa, differs from that species and from the
true Banner of Europe in being perfectly uniform and unspotted on
the under surface when adult. It is scattered throughout the colony,
but is not comtrfon anywhere. Mr. T. Atmore procured old and
young birds near Eland’s Post. Both Mr. Ayres and Mr. T. E.
Buckley have found this Falcon in Natal and the Transvaal, in both
of which countries it is rare. Dr. Kirk did not meet with it m the
Zambesi regions. Numerous specimens were contained in Mr.
Andersson’s collections, and he says that it “ is to be met with from
the Cape Colony in the South, to the Okavango River in the .north,
and as far eastward as Bake N’garni; it is particularly numerous in
Bittle Namaqua Band, and also in the neighbourhood of the Okavango,
and is occasionally seen along the sea coast.” Senor Anchieta has
met with it at Huilla in Mossamedes.
I t is very rapid on the wing, and a great scourge to poultry and
game of all kinds. It will not hesitate to dash at a flock fe.eding
close to the door of a dwelling and in the midst of people working on
the werf. Mr. Ortlepp writes, “ I procured two parent birds and
five nestlings ready to fly. The female resembles the male but she
is larger (Bength, 18” ; wing, 14” ; tail, 7£” •) The nestlings were
all mottled on the breast and belly. Found near Colesberg, feeding
on small birds, reptiles and insects.”
Adult male.—General colour above blueish ash; transversely barred
with dark-grey; head clear rufous,, marked on the forehead, side and
nape with black; under parts clear vinaceous, marked on the thighs
with a few black spots. Tail underneath grey and ash. Cere and
legs yellow; eye light brown. Bength, 1 7 ” ; wing, 1 2 J ” ; tail, l '•
F A L C O B I A R I Y I I C U S .