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Show B ir d s . Lake Victoria is a disappointing sheet of water in bird-life as in fishes. Birds are of course present, but not in the vast numbers so extended a sheet of water in the heart of Africa might lead a naturalist to expect. The reason is probably to be found in the fact that the food-supply in the lake is very deficient for birds and fishes alike-for many species of birds in consequence of the poverty in fish. The White-headed Fish-Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) is fairly common all round the lake-shore and up the Kagera River. This bird is invariably found in pairs, and appears to divide the districts into beats, each containing its pair of fish-eagles in possession. Their cheerful squalling, as described by Sir Harry Johnston, is one of the most familiar sounds near African river and lake. An Osprey may also occasionally be seen on Lake Victoria seizing fish on the surface of the water in a manner peculiar to its kind A species of Plotus is fairly common, and may be seen in small congregations at certain points where the ambatch or rocks afford a convenient spot for perching and hanging then* wings out to dry. With them may also be seen the large Cormorants, which here and there form communities numbering several hundreds. The northern end of the island Usuwgwe and the small rocky Mwasambwa Islands and Dumo Point are favourite haunts of all these birds. A large Gull, resembling the black-backed gull at home when on wing, is also not uncommon close in-shore and especially in the rivers. The Pied Kingfisher is fairly common inland. The two varieties of brilliant-hued Kingfishers appear to forsake their occupation of fishing to devote themselves entirely to the capture of insects. Herons are fairly plentiful in the swamps and at the edge of the lake. The most conspicuous amongst these is the Goliath Heron, a bird whose immense span of wing can be fully appreciated when, disturbed by a canoe, he flaps slowly across the Kagera River. The common Grey Heron is also a familiar sight, and at times flocks of the White Egret. Night-Herons are fairly common along the Kagera River. In the lake, Egyptian Geese and Spur-winged Geese may be seen in small numbers ; Pigmy Geese are not uncommon near the lake-shore, where the open reeds afford them shelter. Yellow-billed Ducks are perhaps the commonest of the ducks on Lake Victoria. Throughout the course of the Kagera River no ducks and geese were observed until reaching the Rufua River, and especially the Karenge Lake. The latter seems a favourite haunt of wild-fowl, and for this region of Africa is very well supplied with water-birds of all descriptions. Huge flocks of Pelicans are to be seen, and large numbers of Pochards and Yellow-billed Duck ; also Egyptian Geese. 1 9 0 5 .] HISTORY OF THE UGANDA ANGLO-GERMAN BOUNDARY. 1 8 9 |
